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State profile · Utah

Why is gas cheaper in Utah?

Utah's gasoline averages $3.32 a gallon, $0.06 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 39 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 Utah stations.

#24 of 50Republican control−$0.07 vs U.S.
Average price · Jan–May 2026 $3.32/gal AAA regular-grade retail
National rank #24 of 50 states
vs national average −$0.07 2% below U.S. avg
5-year change +$0.60 since Jan–May 2021

What you're paying for

dollars per gallon, estimated June 2026
Base costs$2.93
Crude oil cost$1.74
Refining$0.48
Distribution & marketing$0.53
Federal excise tax$0.18
Utah policy adds$0.39
State excise + sales tax$0.39
The takeaway

Utah pays about $0.06 less per gallon than the U.S. average, helped by ample regional fuel supply.

Policy environment
State + local gas tax (total)39.1 ¢/gal
Carbon program on motor fuelNo
State-specific fuel blendNo
Political control
Today: Unified Republican
Governor + House + Senate, all R
Years D, 2001–2025: 0 of 25
Years R, 2001–2025: 25 of 25
Years split: 0 of 25
Red: unified R
How Utah compares

Against its neighbors

Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.

#12   Idaho
$3.46
#24   Utah
$3.32
#28   Colorado
$3.25
#29   Montana
$3.23
#31   New Mexico
$3.19
#32   Wyoming
$3.16
Ten-year history

Price over time

Utah  U.S. average

$2.11$2.81$3.52$4.23201720192021202320252026
Common questions

Utah, explained

Why does gas cost about $3.32 a gallon in Utah?

Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Utah's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.53 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 39 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.06 below the national average of $3.38.

How much of Utah's gas price is taxes?+

Utah charges about 39 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 17% of the $3.32 pump price.

Does Utah have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+

No. Unlike California and Washington, Utah does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.

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