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GasBuddy Report Shows Sunday Cheapest Nationwide, Midweek Prices Spike, State Exceptions Noted

Updated (3 articles)
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  • A picture of the map that shows cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas in each state.
    A picture of the map that shows cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas in each state.
    Image: Newsweek
    A picture of the map that shows cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas in each state. Source Full size
  • A picture of the map that shows cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas in each state.
    A picture of the map that shows cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas in each state.
    Image: Newsweek
    A picture of the map that shows cheapest and most expensive days to buy gas in each state. Source Full size
  • None
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    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Credit: manusapon - stock.adobe.com Source Full size

Sunday Prices Lead Nationwide GasBuddy’s year‑long analysis of daily statewide averages shows Sunday delivers the lowest per‑gallon cost in the majority of states, including California, Texas, Florida and New York [1][2][3]. The pattern holds despite analysts projecting a five‑year low for overall gasoline prices in 2026 [1]. Drivers who fill up on Sunday can lock in the most favorable rates before the weekly price climb begins.

Midweek Days Register Highest Rates Wednesday and Thursday emerge as the costliest days in many Southern and Midwestern markets, while Thursday tops the chart in parts of the Northeast and West Coast [1][2][3]. Across the country, Wednesday‑Friday prices consistently exceed weekend rates, creating a predictable mid‑week peak that pushes costs up by several cents per gallon [1][2][3].

State‑Specific Cycle Patterns Offer Larger Savings In markets such as Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Texas and portions of the West Coast, prices spike sharply on a set day then decline gradually, a “price cycling” effect [2][3]. GasBuddy estimates that waiting five to seven days after a spike can shave $0.15‑$0.45 off each gallon in these states [2][3]. This timing advantage dwarfs the modest 4‑9‑cent savings achievable by simply choosing Sunday in non‑cycling regions [1].

Exceptions to Sunday Trend Identified Alaska, Delaware, Indiana and Ohio record Monday as the cheapest day, while Montana’s lowest rates fall on Tuesday [2][3]. Kansas, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wyoming break the Sunday rule entirely, with Saturday offering the best prices [1][2][3]. These outliers illustrate that regional tax structures, refinery capacity and local blend requirements can overturn the national rhythm.

Consumer Guidance Emphasized by GasBuddy The company urges motorists to consult its app before refueling and to approach Tuesdays and Saturdays with caution, as those days often carry higher prices [2][3]. For drivers outside cycling markets, shifting fill‑ups from the most expensive mid‑week days to Sunday can save 4‑9 cents per gallon [1]. Combining app‑based price checks with strategic timing maximizes potential savings across all regions.

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Timeline

2025 – GasBuddy compiles a year‑long set of daily statewide average gasoline prices, revealing that Sunday consistently posts the lowest prices in the majority of states, allowing motorists to save roughly 4–9 cents per gallon versus the costlier mid‑week days [1][2][3].

2025‑2026 – The analysis shows a clear mid‑week price peak, with Wednesday or Thursday being the most expensive in many Southern, Midwestern, Northeastern and West Coast markets, while “price‑cycling” states such as Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Texas and parts of the West Coast experience sharp weekly spikes followed by gradual declines [2][3].

2025‑2026 – In those cycling markets, waiting five to seven days after a price spike can shave $0.15‑$0.45 per gallon off the pump, creating a predictable weekly rhythm that drivers can exploit [2][3].

2025 – California remains the nation’s costliest gasoline market because of higher taxes, stricter environmental rules, limited refinery capacity and a special gasoline blend, yet the Sunday‑cheapest pattern still holds for local drivers [1].

2025 – A minority of states—Kansas, Pennsylvania and Wyoming—break the national trend, with Saturday typically offering the lowest prices instead of Sunday [1].

2026 (forecast) – Industry forecasts anticipate U.S. gasoline prices dropping to a five‑year low in 2026, but GasBuddy notes the weekly pricing rhythm persists, driven by oil market fluctuations, taxes and seasonal demand [1].

Feb 19, 2026 – GasBuddy publishes its report confirming Sunday as the cheapest day to fill up nationwide, advises motorists to use its price‑checking app, and warns that Tuesdays and Saturdays tend to be higher‑priced days[2][3].

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