By Suzanne Downing 
Alaska drivers are finally seeing a bit of relief at the pump this month, as gas prices continue a slow but steady decline that mirrors national trends.
As of Nov. 17, the average price for regular unleaded in Alaska is about $3.87 per gallon, according to the latest figures from AAA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and GasBuddy tracking data.
That’s still well above the national average of roughly $3.07 per gallon, but it marks a modest drop from earlier in the fall.
Prices have eased across the state since early October, when Alaska’s average sat near $3.95 per gallon. By late October, the statewide average dipped to $3.87, and it has held there through mid-November with only minor daily fluctuations. Anchorage is currently averaging about $3.85, while Fairbanks and many rural communities remain higher, often climbing past $4.50 because of freight costs and winter logistics.
The downward trend reflects broader forces shaping fuel markets nationwide. Crude oil has hovered at about $70 per barrel, refinery output has increased, and seasonal demand is tapering as winter approaches. Nationally, average prices have fallen 4–5% year over year, sliding from around $3.20 in October 2024 to the low $3 range this fall.
Alaska is following the same direction, though it continues to run higher due to geography, transportation hurdles, and the state’s comparatively low fuel tax of 8.95 cents per gallon.
Market analysts say the softening could continue into December. GasBuddy projects a possible national average of around $3.22 by the end of the year, and Alaska could drift into the $3.60–$3.70 range if current patterns hold. Recent federal shifts easing drilling restrictions in parts of Alaska may also support long-term supply, though the effects would not be immediate.
Even with the recent drop, Alaskans are still paying some of the highest prices in the country, a reality amplified in off-road communities where heating fuel and freight costs are already climbing for winter. Still, many residents tracking prices on X have noted that fuel and grocery costs feel slightly less punishing than they did a month ago.
For those planning travel or trying to stretch winter budgets, tools like GasBuddy can help locate the lowest prices in real time. Winter cold spells, refinery disruptions, or global energy shocks can shift the trend quickly, but for now, both Alaska and the rest of the country are enjoying a rare stretch of falling prices heading into the holidays.
Flew back from Fairbanks yesterday afternoon. Station out near the airport had regular for $3.55. Haven’t snooped around Los Anchorage since my return, but I don’t expect to see it that cheap.
It costs more to operate any business in a crime ridden city where expensive EMT fire and police are constantly on the run trying to save the lives of Anchorage Assembly’s pet homeless clients.
Security cameras caught footage of a half dozen “night crawlers” packing materials and propane through a hole cut in the fence at our construction yard.
Police were too busy to even respond and remnants of the stolen fuel were tracked down (by us) to a half dozen homeless camps within a quarter mile radius. We were laughed at when we brought up the idea of pressing charges for the theft.
Our fuel costs for the year just tripled.
If the “night crawlers” had worked this hard at a real daytime job we wouldn’t have to feed them or pay for their expensive REI camping gear.
Saw Chevron at $4.14 this afternoon
Of Course(!!!) … With the right Administration in place, the results benefit America and Americans.
Hopefully, voters get ‘educated’ and ‘wizen-up’ … and ultimately vote accordingly!
Not to worry, under the “leadership” of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and the Leftsts on the Assembly, we could quickly see imposition of Seattle-like gas and sales taxes in Anchortown. I am frankly surprised it hasn’t happened yet. Under the current political set-up, unions and sheep-minded voters can dictate all of this without limit. Massive sales and gas taxes will generate multi-millions for lucrative union contracts and grants to favored non-profits. And don’t forget the starving teachers. Don’t count on Assemblymembers Erin Day or Zac Johnson to stand in the way.
Now, let’s bring green leaf lettuce, milk, and beef back down…there’s barely room in the budget for fuel AND food anymore…
Saw some beautiful rib roasts at Fred Meyer’s this morning. Marked down to 10.99/lb, so I think it’s starting to happen. Wish I had a need for one.
Thank You President Trump and Administration
My wife and I live in Fairbanks. We do most of our shopping at Fred Meyers earning gas points for every dollar we spend. We are both retired and I am the only driver. We never pay full price for gas and often get it for $1.00 off. Yesterday I filled our Subaru Forester’s gas tank for $2.55/gallon.