North Carolina Gas Prices
Average retail price · Source: AAA · Updated daily
Today's Average
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per gallon · regular unleaded
North Carolina's 40.5¢ gas tax places it in the upper tier nationally, though prices remain moderate due to good Colonial Pipeline access. The Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte have the highest prices; rural western NC near the mountains sees elevated prices due to logistics.
⛽ Gas Tax: 40¢/gallon
Ranked #24 most expensive nationally
Top Gas Station Chains in North Carolina
Circle KBPShellQuikTripSpeedway
Top North Carolina Cities for Gas Prices
North Carolina Gas Price FAQ
How does NC gas compare to neighboring South Carolina?
South Carolina has one of the lowest gas taxes in the country (28¢ less than NC per gallon), making cross-border fill-ups very common along the I-85 and I-77 corridors. NC drivers near the SC border regularly save $5-10 per tank by crossing over.
Where is gas cheapest in North Carolina?
QuikTrip and Costco are the most competitive chains in Charlotte and the Triangle. Smaller cities along I-85 like Gastonia and Burlington often have more competitive prices than the major metros.
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Gas Prices by City in North Carolina
North Carolina Gas Price — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average gas price in North Carolina today?
North Carolina gas prices are updated daily from AAA data. Check back for today's average.
Why are gas prices lower in North Carolina than the national average?
North Carolina benefits from favorable regional factors.
What is North Carolina's gas tax?
North Carolina's state gas tax is approximately 40¢ per gallon. This is a combined state excise tax and in some states includes local levies. The federal gas tax adds an additional 18.4¢/gal on top of state taxes.
When is the cheapest time to buy gas in North Carolina?
Gas prices in North Carolina — like across the US — tend to be lowest on Mondays and Tuesdays, when weekly demand is lowest. Prices typically rise Thursday through Saturday as weekend travel demand increases. Avoiding fill-ups on Fridays and Saturdays can save 3–8¢/gal on average. North Carolina prices also tend to be lower in late fall and winter when summer-blend fuel requirements end.
Which cities in North Carolina have the cheapest gas?
Gas prices vary by city within North Carolina based on local competition, distance from fuel terminals, and population density. Use our city pages to compare prices across North Carolina: cities farther from major metro areas and distribution hubs often have slightly higher prices due to transport costs, while high-competition suburban areas near major highways tend to be cheapest.