Why is gas expensive in Alaska?
Alaska's gasoline averages $4.02 a gallon, $0.64 above the U.S. average of $3.38. About 9 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Alaska stations.
What you're paying for
Alaska pays about $0.64 more per gallon than the U.S. average. Regional supply costs account for most of the gap.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
Alaska U.S. average
Alaska, explained
Why does gas cost about $4.02 a gallon in Alaska?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Alaska's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $1.53 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 9 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.64 above the national average of $3.38.
How much of Alaska's gas price is taxes?+
Alaska charges about 9 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 7% of the $4.02 pump price.
Does Alaska have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, Alaska does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.