DALLAS — GasBuddy released new analysis Tuesday identifying Sunday as the most consistently affordable day of the week to buy gasoline in most U.S. states, while midweek days, particularly Wednesday through Friday, tend to carry higher prices.
The findings are based on an analysis of daily statewide fuel prices over the past year across all 50 states. According to the company, motorists who fill up on the lowest-priced weekday instead of the most expensive one can save between 4 and 9 cents per gallon.
“Gas prices don’t just move based on global oil markets — they also follow a weekly rhythm,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “For most drivers, Sunday is the safest bet for finding lower prices, while filling up mid-week can mean paying more.”
While broader fuel price trends fluctuate due to oil markets and seasonal demand, weekly pricing patterns remain relatively consistent. In most states, prices gradually rise through the week before easing into the weekend, creating what the company describes as a predictable window for savings.
Price Cycling Creates Wider Gaps in Some States
In several states, including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Florida and Texas, as well as parts of the West Coast, gasoline prices follow a more pronounced pattern known as price cycling. In these markets, prices often reset sharply higher on a specific day, then decline over several days before the next spike.
GasBuddy said that in price-cycling states, the gap between buying at the peak of a spike and near the bottom of the cycle can reach 15 to 45 cents per gallon or more.
“These states experience sharper and more predictable weekly swings,” De Haan said. “If drivers notice a big jump, patience can pay off. Waiting several days after a spike often leads to better prices.”
The company said that in these markets, the best savings often occur five to seven days after a price jump, when competitive pressures drive prices lower.
Additional Savings Strategies
GasBuddy said timing purchases with price cycles is one way to reduce fuel costs, but additional savings may be available through its mobile app and payment programs.
The company said users of its app typically save 5 to 10 cents per gallon by comparing nearby station prices. Through its Pay with GasBuddy+ program at participating stations, discounts can reach up to 33 cents per gallon.
The analysis examined daily statewide average gasoline prices over the past year and normalized prices within each week to identify consistent weekday pricing patterns independent of seasonal trends. Estimated savings reflect the typical difference between each state’s cheapest and most expensive weekdays and do not include additional discounts from comparison shopping or payment programs.
GasBuddy, owned and operated by PDI Technologies, reports more than 100 million app downloads and provides real-time gas prices at more than 150,000 stations across North America.