Why is gas cheaper in North Carolina?
North Carolina's gasoline averages $3.21 a gallon, $0.17 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 41 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 North Carolina stations.
What you're paying for
North Carolina pays about $0.17 less per gallon than the U.S. average, helped by ample regional fuel supply.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
North Carolina U.S. average
North Carolina, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.21 a gallon in North Carolina?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, North Carolina's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.40 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 41 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.17 below the national average of $3.38.
How much of North Carolina's gas price is taxes?+
North Carolina charges about 41 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 18% of the $3.21 pump price.
Does North Carolina have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, North Carolina does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.