Why is gas cheaper in West Virginia?
West Virginia's gasoline averages $3.32 a gallon, $0.06 below the U.S. average of $3.38. About 36 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 West Virginia stations.
What you're paying for
West Virginia pays about $0.06 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
West Virginia U.S. average
West Virginia, explained
Why does gas cost about $3.32 a gallon in West Virginia?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, West Virginia's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $0.56 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 36 cents in state taxes. That puts it $0.06 below the national average of $3.38.
How much of West Virginia's gas price is taxes?+
West Virginia charges about 36 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 16% of the $3.32 pump price.
Does West Virginia have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, West Virginia does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.