New England (PADD 1A) benchmark
Rhode Island Gas Prices
Regular gasoline, all formulations, including taxes · Week ending Oct 26, 2026
Regular gasoline · Oct 26, 2026
New England (PADD 1A) regional average (state benchmark) average price per gallon
$4.251 −$0.060
vs. week earlier · -1.4%
−$0.018 vs U.S. average ($4.269)
- 4 weeks ago
- $4.411
- Year ago
- $3.064
- 52-week low
- $2.890
- 52-week high
- $4.530
5-year weekly trend
USD / gallonWeekly retail average, all formulations, including taxes. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Latest available week: 2026-10-26.
All-time high
$4.990
Jun 13, 2022
All-time low (since 2000)
$1.100
Dec 17, 2001
What drivers in Rhode Island are paying this week
Rhode Island does not have a published weekly statewide average, so the reference number above is the New England (PADD 1A) average of $4.251. That regional benchmark fell $0.060 week over week and is $0.018 below the national average of $4.269. Stations in Rhode Island typically trade within roughly 20 to 40 cents of the regional figure, depending on distance from the nearest terminal and local taxes.
Rhode Island has the highest fuel tax in New England and some of the highest prices in the region. All fuel arrives by ship or truck from neighboring ports.
Why Rhode Island gas prices land where they do
- State fuel tax is the highest in New England.
- Providence harbor terminals handle most imports.
- Small geographic area means limited competition among retail brands.
These are structural factors, not daily noise. They explain why Rhode Island tends to sit in the same part of the national price range week after week, even when the national average moves. For the general mechanics behind these forces, see our guide on how gas prices are set.
How Rhode Island compares
Neighboring states with a published weekly average give the clearest picture of the regional spread. The table below compares Rhode Island against those states and the national average.
| Market | Regular price | vs Rhode Island | Week change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $4.251 | — | −$0.060 |
| Massachusetts | $4.145 | −$0.106 | −$0.060 |
| U.S. average | $4.269 | +$0.018 | −$0.010 |
Ways to spend less on gas in Rhode Island
- Membership warehouses such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s usually price 10 to 30 cents below nearby branded stations.
- Stations a few miles off the interstate are often cheaper than the first exit, because they pay less for land and rely on local traffic.
- Apps that show station-level prices are worth using for the last mile — our numbers give you the regional baseline, they give you the address.
- Keeping tires at the recommended pressure and removing roof racks can recover 3 to 6 percent of fuel economy, which is worth 10 to 20 cents a gallon at current prices.
Want a number instead of a rule of thumb? The commute cost calculator turns your own miles and MPG into a weekly and annual fuel bill, using the current Rhode Island price as the default.
How we source Rhode Island prices
Every figure on this page comes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration's weekly retail gasoline survey, which reports average retail prices in dollars per gallon including taxes. We rebuild the page every week after the survey is released, so the date on the price panel always matches the data behind it. We do not estimate missing state numbers; where the EIA does not publish a statewide series, we label the regional benchmark instead. Full details are in our methodology and data sources pages.
The bottom line for Rhode Island drivers
At the regional benchmark of $4.251 per gallon, a 12-gallon fill-up in Rhode Island costs about $51.01. Over a 15,000-mile year at 28 MPG, that implies roughly $2277 in fuel, before any local station discounts.
Rhode Island gas price FAQ
What is the average gas price in Rhode Island right now?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration does not publish a weekly statewide retail average for Rhode Island. The closest official benchmark is the New England (PADD 1A) average, which was $4.251 per gallon for the week ending Oct 26, 2026. Local station prices in Rhode Island typically fall within roughly 20 to 40 cents of that regional figure.
Is gas cheaper in Rhode Island than the national average?
Rhode Island is compared against the New England (PADD 1A) benchmark rather than a statewide number. The region averaged $4.251 versus the national average of $4.269, so Rhode Island stations are best described as tracking below the national figure.
Why are gas prices low in Rhode Island?
State fuel tax is the highest in New England. Providence harbor terminals handle most imports. Small geographic area means limited competition among retail brands. These factors matter more than the national average in determining what local stations charge, because fuel markets are regional, not national.
Where can I find the cheapest gas in Rhode Island?
Station-level pricing is not part of the EIA dataset, so we do not publish a cheapest-station list. In practice, the lowest prices in Rhode Island are usually at membership warehouses, at high-volume stations on secondary roads rather than interstate exits, and at stations in lower-cost suburban counties. Use a station-level price app for the final address and our Rhode Island benchmark to judge whether the price you see is reasonable.
Will gas prices go down in Rhode Island?
Nobody can forecast a specific week with confidence. What can be said is mechanical: Rhode Island prices follow crude oil costs, regional refining capacity, seasonal fuel specifications, and local taxes. When crude falls and refineries run normally, prices usually follow within two to four weeks. When a refinery goes down or a hurricane threatens the Gulf Coast, the move can reverse within days.