New analysis released by The Hill shows that the day of the week with the lowest average gasoline price differs in every state, giving drivers a chance to save up to $0.30 per gallon by timing their fill‑ups.
The study used weekly retail gasoline price data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration covering the 2023‑2024 period, calculating the average price for each day of the week in each state and identifying the day with the lowest mean price.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican leaders contend that market forces, not tax policy, should determine gasoline prices and warn that a tax holiday would cut into the $2.5 billion annual revenue used for highway and transit projects. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell told AP that preserving the tax is essential for infrastructure funding and that consumers should rely on competition and timing, such as the study’s recommended days, to lower costs.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic lawmakers have highlighted the findings as evidence that consumers need broader federal relief, arguing that a temporary suspension of the federal gasoline excise tax would amplify the savings identified by the study. In a Reuters interview, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the tax holiday could provide immediate relief while long‑term solutions address supply chain and climate concerns.
What the Numbers Show
The EIA data reveal that the cheapest day in most states is Tuesday, with an average national price of $3.12 per gallon, compared with $3.27 on Friday. States with the greatest weekday spread include California, where Tuesday prices averaged $4.58 versus $4.89 on Friday, and Texas, where the gap was $2.97 versus $3.18. The Hill’s analysis indicates that filling up on the identified low‑price day could save drivers between 3 and 9 percent on fuel costs over a typical month.
The Bottom Line
While the study offers a practical tip for motorists, it also feeds into the ongoing policy debate over how to address high fuel costs, with Democrats pushing for a tax holiday and Republicans emphasizing fiscal responsibility. Drivers can use the day‑by‑day guide to reduce expenses now, while lawmakers decide whether broader federal action is needed.