Why is gas cheaper in South Carolina?
South Carolina's gasoline averages $3.09 a gallon, $0.29 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 29 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 South Carolina stations.
What you're paying for
South Carolina pays about $0.29 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
South Carolina U.S. average
South Carolina, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.09 a gallon in South Carolina?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, South 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 29 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.29 below the national average of $3.38.
How much of South Carolina's gas price is taxes?+
South Carolina charges about 29 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 15% of the $3.09 pump price.
Does South Carolina have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, South Carolina does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.