US Gas Prices Down 7.01% Year-over-Year, Now at 3.831 USD per Gallon

The national average gas price in the United States closed the week ending June 29, 2026 at 3.831 USD per gallon, down 7.01% compared to 4.12 USD recorded on June 4, 2026 a year earlier, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration published on the FRED platform. This is not a temporary weekly dip, but rather a long-term trend spanning the entire past year, directly affecting the wallets of millions of Vietnamese American families living, commuting, and working by car across the country.

For the Vietnamese community in America, gas prices are more than just technical figures. They represent the daily cost of commuting to work, the cost of driving children to school, and for many small family businesses like nail salons, restaurants, or delivery services, they directly impact profit margins. When gas prices drop significantly compared to a year ago, the money saved on transportation costs can be redirected toward larger remittances to Vietnam for elderly parents, or simply reduce household spending pressures amid ongoing inflation concerns that weigh on many families.

National average gas prices (weekly)

Looking at the data over the past three months, a downward trend has persisted for eight consecutive weeks. From a peak of 4.50 USD per gallon recorded on the week of May 11, 2026, gas prices have declined steadily, with the latest level of 3.831 USD representing the lowest point in the entire survey period. Compared to the previous week (June 22, 2026 at 3.914 USD), this week's price fell by another 0.08 USD, equivalent to a 2.12% decrease. Against the period average of 4.20 USD, the current price is 8.89% lower.

Notably, the 7.01% decline compared to the same period last year does not stem from a sudden shock, but rather from a series of steady downward adjustments over the past two months, declining from the 4.50 USD peak in mid-May 2026 to the current low of 3.831 USD. This is positive news for those planning long road trips during summer, or considering relocating via self-driven truck — fuel costs are now at their most comfortable level in many months.

However, the data also shows that gas prices were considerably higher at one point, specifically at 4.50 USD in May 2026, meaning price swings can still occur in both directions. For Vietnamese American families balancing monthly budgets, including remittances back home, tracking this eight-week downward trend provides a reasonable basis for temporary relief about transportation costs, but not grounds for long-term complacency. The most practical reality at this moment: if you have plans to stock up on gas or schedule long trips, this is when prices are at their lowest point in the entire survey period.

Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (FRED) ↗ · Chart and analysis by Saigon Sentinel