Gas Prices in North Carolina
Gas prices in North Carolina come with a built-in handicap: a state gas tax that’s higher than in most of its neighbors. The EIA doesn’t publish a North Carolina average, so the closest official benchmark is the Lower Atlantic region, which averaged $3.93 for regular in the week of Oct. 12, 2026. That’s about 40 cents below the U.S. average, but North Carolina’s higher tax can mean drivers here pay a bit more than in South Carolina or Georgia. Below I explain the tax gap, where prices run high inside the state, and how to keep a fill-up cheap.
Prices: EIA weekly data, updated automatically · By Nathan Brooks · Reviewed Oct. 15, 2026
Regular and diesel: EIA Lower Atlantic average for the week of Sept. 21, 2026. The EIA doesn’t publish a separate weekly average for North Carolina, so we show the Lower Atlantic regional average, which North Carolina is part of.
What drives gas prices in North Carolina
- A higher tax than most neighbors. North Carolina’s gas tax is about 7¢ to 14¢ a gallon higher than Georgia’s, South Carolina’s and Tennessee’s, and close to Virginia’s. It’s recalculated every January 1, so that’s the date to watch for changes.
- Pipeline supply. Like the rest of the Southeast, North Carolina depends on pipelines from Gulf Coast refineries. Pipeline outages and hurricanes can push prices up quickly, and the effect usually shows up within days.
- Coast vs. mountains. Tourist areas on the Outer Banks and in the mountains often charge more than the Piedmont cities. If you’re heading to the beach or the Blue Ridge, I’d fill up before you leave Charlotte, Raleigh or Greensboro.
North Carolina vs. neighboring states
| State | Regular (this week) | State gas tax | Tax vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $4.16 | 41.3¢ | — |
| Virginia | $4.16 | 42.4¢ | +1.1¢ |
| South Carolina | $4.16 | 28.8¢ | −12.5¢ |
| Tennessee | $4.39 | 27.4¢ | −13.9¢ |
| Georgia | $4.16 | 34.1¢ | −7.2¢ |
Prices: EIA weekly averages. States without their own EIA average show their region’s average (Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia use the Lower Atlantic average; Tennessee uses the Midwest 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).
Two easy wins in North Carolina
The region’s price slipped about 3 cents in the week of Oct. 12, and drivers are still paying around $1.08 a gallon more than a year ago. North Carolina has two easy wins that many states don’t. First, Harris Teeter’s fuel points, especially on its 4X days. Second, the South Carolina line: if you live in the Charlotte area or you’re already driving south, the roughly 12-cent tax difference is worth about $1.80 on a 15-gallon tank.
What I wouldn’t do is make a special trip across the border just for gas, or fill up in tourist areas when a city station is on your way. Those small choices add up more than any one-time deal. — Nathan Brooks
What to watch next
Jan. 1. North Carolina recalculates its gas tax every January 1, so check whether the rate goes up or down for 2027.
Best ways to save on gas in North Carolina
- Harris Teeter fuel points. Harris Teeter is a Kroger company with its own fuel points program; points can be used at Harris Teeter fuel centers and participating partner stations. It often runs 4X fuel points days, which is the time to plan a bigger grocery trip.
- Sheetz Rewardz: a free app with regular fuel discounts, worth having if a Sheetz is on your route.
- Near the border? South Carolina’s gas tax is 28.8¢ a gallon, about 12¢ less. If you’re already heading south, fill up there. Compare states.
- Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s in Charlotte, the Triangle and the Triad, usually among the cheapest pumps nearby. Club gas guide.
- Walmart+ at Walmart and Murphy USA stations, best if you already use the membership for other things. Is a membership worth it?
Programs and terms are set by each company and can change. Check the official site or app before you sign up.
Propane in North Carolina
Home propane is expensive in North Carolina compared with most of the country. The state opened the EIA’s heating season survey at $3.58 a gallon (Oct. 5, 2026), nearly $1 above the U.S. average of $2.60. Last March it was $3.45. At that price, a 400-gallon fill-up costs more than $1,400, so I’d treat it like any big purchase: get at least three quotes and ask each supplier about pre-buy or budget plans. Compare 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: North Carolina energy assistance (NCDHHS) can help eligible households pay for heating fuel, including propane.
Quick answers
Why is North Carolina’s gas tax higher than South Carolina’s?
North Carolina funds much of its road system through the gas tax, which is recalculated every January by formula. At 41.3¢ a gallon (July 1, 2026), it’s about 12¢ higher than South Carolina’s.
Is gas cheaper in South Carolina than North Carolina?
Usually, yes. South Carolina’s state tax is about 12¢ a gallon lower.
How do Harris Teeter fuel points work?
You earn fuel points on eligible purchases and redeem them for cents off per gallon at Harris Teeter fuel centers and participating partners. Check Harris Teeter’s site for current terms.
Keep saving
Sources
EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update · Tax Foundation: state gas tax rates (July 1, 2026) · EIA weekly residential propane prices · NCDOR: motor fuels tax rates · Harris Teeter fuel points · North Carolina energy assistance (NCDHHS)
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.