Gas prices have dropped to their lowest Thanksgiving levels since the pandemic, giving holiday travelers something extra to be thankful for this year. As millions hit the road this week, they’ll find the national average hovering at $3.02 per gallon — matching 2021’s post-pandemic low.
President Trump has quickly claimed credit for the dip, declaring that “Joe Biden’s disastrous war on American energy is over, and drivers will continue to see price relief at the pump in the months ahead as a result of President Trump fully unleashing American energy dominance.”
But is it that simple?
The reality behind pump prices appears more nuanced. While the national average has indeed fallen to $3.02 for the holiday weekend, data shows gas was actually selling at $3.08 just a week ago on November 18 — representing a slight 0.2% increase compared to the same time last year. Monthly averages have bounced between $3.06 in October and $3.17 during both September and April of 2025.
A Rollercoaster at the Pump
Historical fuel price trends reveal that Americans have weathered significant fluctuations in recent years. After plummeting during the pandemic’s travel restrictions, prices skyrocketed to painful highs in 2022 before gradually settling to current levels.
The Trump administration’s energy policies may indeed be playing a role in current pricing, but energy economists generally point to a complex web of factors including global oil production, seasonal demand patterns, refinery capacity, and international conflicts that influence what consumers ultimately pay at the pump.
“Trump says he brought down gas prices. The reality is more complicated,” reports Politico, which notes that presidential policies typically take months or years to significantly impact energy markets.
Still, for holiday travelers, the $3.02 average represents welcome relief compared to recent years. AAA estimates record numbers on the roads this Thanksgiving, with the psychological barrier of sub-$3 gas in many states encouraging additional travel plans.
Regional differences remain substantial. Drivers in California continue paying well above the national average, while those in Gulf Coast states enjoy some of the nation’s lowest prices — a reminder that when it comes to gas prices, your mileage (and savings) may vary.
