If you have filled up your tank lately, you may have noticed a pretty severe uptick in the cost you paid per gallon. So whether you are planning a big road trip as the warmer weather kicks in or just want to regulate your commuting expenses within your budget, timing could be everything.
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Here’s what you need to know about the worst day of the week to buy gas (and the best time to fill up instead).
The Worst Day of the Week To Buy Gas
According to a new study done by GasBuddy, you should avoid filling your tank on Thursdays. Heading into the high-demand weekend, gas prices tended to spike on Thursday, or more generally, Wednesday through Friday are the higher-priced days with Thursday being the peak.
This isn’t an exact science as oil prices can fluctuate with seasonal demand, overseas conflicts and more, but mostly weekly patterns for what you pay at the pump remain consistent. GasBuddy’s research showed that for most states, prices gradually rise through the week before easing into the weekend. This is why Sunday is, conversely, the best or cheapest day of the week to fill up.
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Where You Live Matters
It should be noted that the best day to fill up — and the best day to avoid the gas station — varies by state. For example, in many cases, gas is cheapest on Sundays and most expensive on Thursdays.
However, several states — including Texas, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Florida — tend to see more of a price cycling where prices can reset higher on a specific day, then slowly decline over the next several days before the next spike. The difference in what you pay at the end of the cycle can be 15 to 45 cents per gallon or more.
Are Gas Prices Stable in 2026?
According to AAA, the current national average price for gas is about $3.60 per gallon. Recently, there have been dramatic spikes across the country in large part due to the developing war in Iran. This could mean Americans see skyrocketing prices for a while until the conflict ends.
4 Ways To Save on Gas No Matter When You Buy
Choosing the best day to fill up is only one way to save on gas. Here are some other things you can try so you’re not paying quite as much to get where you need to go.
Drive Less
Clearly, the more you drive, the more you’ll pay. So cut out unnecessary trips, plan your route and carpool if you can. And use GPS even if you know where you’re going. It can alert you if there are backups or detours and send you on the most efficient route.
Use an App
There are several apps that will point you to the lowest gas prices in the area so you can find the best place to fill up. GasBuddy, Gas Guru and the AAA mobile app can all help you find the best price for gas and tell you how to get there.
Pay in Cash
Many stations offer lower prices for customers who pay with cash. When you pay cash, the station doesn’t have to pay the credit card processing surcharge, so they pass some of that savings on to you. If you can’t pay in cash, use a credit card that offers cash back — especially if you get more cash back at gas stations.
Drive Smarter
Accelerating slowly and keeping your overall speed down can use less fuel, which saves you money. Keeping your car tuned up and regularly checking your tire pressure will help it operate more efficiently, which also reduces fuel consumption.
Saving even a dollar or two on every tank of gas can add up over the course of a year, so try some of these tips to keep a little more money in your pocket.
Karen Doyle contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Worst Day of the Week To Buy Gas — and the Best Time To Fill Up Instead
