Gas Prices in Pennsylvania
Gas prices in Pennsylvania are shaped less by refineries than by one number: a state gas tax of 58.7¢ a gallon, one of the highest in the country. The EIA doesn’t publish a separate Pennsylvania average, but the Central Atlantic region the state belongs to averaged $4.35 for regular in the week of Oct. 12, 2026, slightly above the U.S. average and about $1.24 more than a year earlier. Here’s why the tax is so high, what it means at the border, and the local programs that can lower your bill.
Prices: EIA weekly data, updated automatically · By Nathan Brooks · Reviewed Oct. 15, 2026
Regular and diesel: EIA Central Atlantic average for the week of Sept. 21, 2026. The EIA doesn’t publish a separate weekly average for Pennsylvania, so we show the Central Atlantic regional average, which Pennsylvania is part of.
Why Pennsylvania gas taxes are so high
- The Oil Company Franchise Tax. Most of Pennsylvania’s gas tax is charged to fuel distributors and passed on at the pump. At 58.7¢ a gallon, it’s one of the highest in the U.S. and pays for roads and bridges. On a 15-gallon fill-up, that’s about $8.80 in state tax alone, before the 18.4¢ federal tax.
- No sales tax on gas. Unlike some states, Pennsylvania doesn’t add sales tax on top. It’s a small consolation, but it means the price you see already includes the state’s whole share.
- Big differences at the borders. Neighboring Delaware and New Jersey often have lower prices, which is why stations near those borders compete hard. If you live near a state line, you’re in the best position to save.
Pennsylvania vs. neighboring states
| State | Regular (this week) | State gas tax | Tax vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $4.44 | 58.7¢ | — |
| New Jersey | $4.44 | 49.2¢ | −9.5¢ |
| New York | $4.42 | 24.2¢ | −34.5¢ |
| Ohio | $4.48 | 38.5¢ | −20.2¢ |
| Delaware | $4.44 | 23.0¢ | −35.7¢ |
| Maryland | $4.44 | 46.8¢ | −11.9¢ |
| West Virginia | $4.16 | 35.7¢ | −23.0¢ |
Prices: EIA weekly averages. States without their own EIA average show their region’s average (New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland use the Central Atlantic average; West Virginia uses the Lower Atlantic average), so real border differences can be bigger or smaller. Taxes: Tax Foundation, July 1, 2026 (state taxes and fees, excluding the 18.4¢ federal tax).
The tax won’t move, so focus on where you buy
Prices in Pennsylvania’s region eased slightly in the week of Oct. 12, in line with the rest of the country. The tax won’t change week to week, so the real levers are where and how you buy. If you regularly cross into Delaware, the 36¢ tax difference is worth about $5.40 on a 15-gallon tank, which makes it worth planning your fill-ups around the trip. I wouldn’t make a special drive just for gas, though.
For everyone else, Pennsylvania is a good state for loyalty programs: GIANT, Giant Eagle with GetGo, and Sheetz all have fuel rewards. I’d pick the one that matches where you already shop and use it every time. — Nathan Brooks
What to watch next
Winter propane prices. Pennsylvania started the heating season about 33 cents above last October, and last winter prices kept climbing into March. If you heat with propane, that matters more than any weekly move at the pump.
Best ways to save on gas in Pennsylvania
- GIANT Choice Rewards (central and eastern PA): grocery purchases earn points you can use for cents off per gallon at GIANT gas stations. Best if GIANT is already your main grocery store.
- Giant Eagle myPerks with GetGo (western PA): earn perks on groceries and redeem them for fuel discounts at GetGo. Giant Eagle runs extra-savings weekends from time to time, which is when the program is most worthwhile.
- Sheetz Rewardz: a free app with regular fuel discounts and frequent promotions. It’s free, so it’s worth installing if there’s a Sheetz on your route.
- BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas, often with the lowest prices nearby. Club gas guide.
- Near the border? Delaware’s gas tax is 23¢ a gallon, about 36¢ less than Pennsylvania’s. Compare states.
Programs and terms are set by each company and can change. Check the official site or app before you sign up.
Propane in Pennsylvania
If you heat with propane, this winter starts more expensive than last. Pennsylvania opened the EIA’s heating season survey at $3.15 a gallon (Oct. 5, 2026), about 55 cents above the U.S. average and about 33 cents more than last October. Last winter, prices climbed about 26 cents from October to March, so I wouldn’t wait for prices to fall before filling up. Get a few quotes and ask about pre-buy or budget plans. Compare Pennsylvania with other states on our propane prices by state table.
- Grill and RV tanks: where to refill propane and exchange vs. refill.
- Home tanks: tank sizes and how long a tank lasts, and a fill-up cost calculator.
- Help with heating bills: Pennsylvania LIHEAP (DHS) can help eligible households pay for heating fuel, including propane.
Quick answers
Why is Pennsylvania’s gas tax so high?
Pennsylvania funds most of its roads and bridges with the Oil Company Franchise Tax on fuel. At 58.7¢ a gallon (July 1, 2026), it’s among the highest in the country.
Is gas cheaper in Delaware than Pennsylvania?
Often, yes. Delaware’s state gas tax is 23¢ a gallon, far lower than Pennsylvania’s, so stations just over the border are usually cheaper.
Which grocery stores give gas discounts in Pennsylvania?
GIANT (Choice Rewards) in central and eastern PA and Giant Eagle (myPerks at GetGo) in western PA are the biggest programs.
Keep saving
Sources
EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update · Tax Foundation: state gas tax rates (July 1, 2026) · EIA weekly residential propane prices · GIANT Choice Rewards · Pennsylvania LIHEAP (DHS)
FuelPriceScout is an independent information site. We don’t sell fuel and we’re not affiliated with any gas station, retailer or rewards program mentioned here. Prices are averages from public sources and are not what a specific station charges; program terms can change, so always check the official site before you sign up. How we get our data.