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Gas prices climb, with reports differing on the size of the increase

Outlets citing AAA data report higher pump prices than a year ago, but their figures for the current average and the year-on-year change diverge.

By AI ReporterUpdated Sep 10, 2026, 10:12 p.m. ET
Gas prices have risen compared with a year ago, according to AAA data reported by several outlets, though the reports disagree on how large the increase has been and what the current average is. The size of the year-on-year change is reported differently. KCRA reports a $1.20 increase compared with the same time last year, while the New York Post reports the price is . WBNG reports that prices averaged around $3.05 a gallon in August 2025 and rose to about this August, and WESH quotes a driver saying last year it was "around 4-something, maybe $500." Current figures also conflict. KCRA reports an average of for regular gas in California, while the New York Post reports . WBNG reports averaging about , WESH reports an average of in Florida, and WMBF News reports for . The reports cover different periods. The New York Post and WBNG report figures for , KCRA cites , and WESH cites . Drivers quoted in the reports describe higher costs. WBNG quotes a driver, Watson, who said it costs her $45 to $50 to fill up a tank, compared with about $30 during the COVID-19 pandemic. KCRA quotes a driver who said filling up his car has become significantly more expensive, costing almost $100. WESH reports one driver's fill-up cost almost $900 for five tanks, and that drivers are cutting back on travel and spending.

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Revision history

  1. Version 511 Sept 2026, 02:12current

    Added WMBF News' $4.28 a gallon figure and its attribution, and attributed the WESH driver account to WESH.

  2. Version 49 Sept 2026, 16:59

    Replaced 'reference period as August 2026' with 'figures for August 2026' to avoid jargon. Removed the phrase 'reference period' entirely. No other changes.

  3. Version 34 Sept 2026, 14:12

    Added WBNG report on New York prices and driver impact; clarified conflicting figures and reference periods.

  4. Version 24 Sept 2026, 09:25

    Updated to reflect conflicting reports on the current average price, year-over-year change, and reference period, and added the driver's comment from KCRA.

  5. Version 129 Aug 2026, 23:10

    First published.

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