Gasoline prices across North Carolina remain stable, mirroring levels from the Fourth of July and the end of 2024. As of Monday, the statewide average for regular unleaded fuel stands at $2.87 per gallon—nearly identical to one month ago and just one cent above New Year’s Eve levels. Despite a high state fuel tax, prices remain more than 25 cents below the national average.
Diesel fuel in North Carolina averages $3.54 per gallon. That reflects a 4-cent increase from a month earlier, but a 20-cent drop compared to the same time last year.
Compared to three years ago, prices are significantly lower. In August 2022, unleaded gasoline averaged $3.68 and diesel spiked at $4.97 per gallon. A proposed $200 taxpayer rebate failed to pass the state legislature during that time.
Currently, the national average for unleaded fuel is $3.15, and $3.72 for diesel. The federal summer fuel regulations in effect through September 15 require the sale of a more refined blend, which typically adds 10 to 15 cents per gallon.
There are over 8 million registered combustion engine vehicles in North Carolina. Additionally, electric vehicle ownership is rising, with more than 100,000 zero-emission vehicles now registered statewide. The average EV charging rate in North Carolina is 33.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, slightly below the national average of 36.7 cents.
Among the state’s metro areas, Fayetteville boasts the lowest unleaded fuel price at $2.75. Durham-Chapel Hill has the highest at $2.93. Diesel is cheapest in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton region at $3.39.
North Carolina’s fuel tax is among the nation’s highest at 40.3 cents per gallon for 2025. Only six states—including California and Pennsylvania—impose higher rates. Fuel taxes fund over half the state’s transportation projects through the Highway Fund and the Highway Trust Fund.
