Filling up your car is a routine expense you cannot avoid, but you can control when you swipe your card. Timing your station visits based on the day of the week yields noticeable savings over time.
A recent analysis by GasBuddy reviewed daily fuel prices across the country over the past year. The data reveals a consistent national rhythm to how gas stations adjust their rates.
The best days to buy gas in each state
While Sunday is the most affordable day to buy gas nationwide, pricing trends vary depending on where you live. Gas stations in most states tend to keep prices stable or lower them slightly over the weekend when energy trading markets are closed.
However, a few outliers exist. Here is the breakdown of the cheapest days to fill up your tank across all 50 states, according to GasBuddy data:
- Sunday: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
- Monday: Alaska, Delaware, Indiana and Ohio.
- Tuesday: Montana.
- Saturday: Kansas, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wyoming.
When to avoid the gas station
The middle of the week is generally the most expensive time to buy fuel.
Wednesday is the worst day to fill up in nearly half the country, followed closely by Thursday.
This midweek surge is not a coincidence. The Energy Information Administration releases its weekly petroleum status report on Wednesday mornings. This report tracks domestic oil inventories and heavily influences market volatility.
Station owners often adjust their rates upward in response to this new data. If you wait until Thursday or Friday to prepare for weekend travel — especially during busy summer or holiday travel seasons — you are almost certainly paying a premium.
Understanding price cycling in volatile markets
Drivers in states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Texas face a distinctly different pricing environment known as price cycling. In these specific markets, fuel costs do not follow a gentle upward curve.
Instead, prices jump sharply on a specific day and then slowly decline over the next week. Gas stations in these areas compete aggressively, driving prices down penny by penny until profit margins evaporate, triggering another sudden spike.
If you live in a state with price cycling, you should wait five to seven days after a major price jump to fill up if you’re able to. Buying near the bottom of this cycle can save you dozens of cents per gallon.
How weekly rhythms impact your wallet
“Gas prices don’t just move based on global oil markets — they also follow a weekly rhythm,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
While saving a few cents per gallon might seem trivial for a single tank, the savings compound over time. Drivers who consistently target the cheapest days to fill up can save hundreds of dollars annually.
This strategy requires very little effort. It simply demands a shift in your weekly routine. Rather than waiting for your low fuel indicator to dictate your schedule, you take control of the purchase.
Additional strategies for lowering fuel costs
Beyond choosing the right day of the week, taking proactive steps to reduce your transportation expenses is vital — especially with potential federal rule changes threatening fuel savings.
- Compare local stations: Use mobile apps to review prices at stations along your normal route. Stations located immediately off major highways often charge higher rates for convenience.
- Leverage grocery rewards: Many regional grocery chains offer fuel point programs that can heavily discount your per-gallon cost. Maximize these programs by buying your regular groceries at participating stores.
- Pay in cash: Many independent gas stations offer a lower price per gallon if you pay with cash rather than a credit card. This avoids the typical 2% to 3% merchant processing fees passed onto consumers.
- Maintain your vehicle: Keeping your tires properly inflated and replacing your engine air filter improves your overall fuel efficiency.
Planning your next trip to the pump
You have the power to lower your fuel expenses simply by changing your routine. Pay close attention to the specific price trends in your city and adjust your habits accordingly.
Make Sunday or Monday your designated day to top off the tank, regardless of whether it is completely empty. A minor adjustment to your weekly schedule keeps more cash in your pocket over the long haul.
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