Why is gas cheaper in Delaware?
Delaware's gasoline averages $3.36 a gallon, $0.02 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 23 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 Delaware stations.
What you're paying for
Delaware pays about $0.02 less per gallon than the U.S. average, helped by low state taxes and ample regional fuel supply.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
Delaware U.S. average
Delaware, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.36 a gallon in Delaware?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Delaware's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.73 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 23 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.02 below the national average of $3.38.
How much of Delaware's gas price is taxes?+
Delaware charges about 23 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 12% of the $3.36 pump price.
Does Delaware have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, Delaware does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.