Gas prices jump again, nearing $4 in the Triangle

The national average gas price jumped 6 cents overnight to $4.28 a gallon.

2026-09-10

AAA reports diesel is at a new record high of $5.98 a gallon.

>> Find low gas prices in your area

Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy says prices could remain as long as strikes continue in the War on Iran.

"Normally, with demand falling because of the end of summer and the change back to winter gasoline in a week, there usually is some decline in gasoline prices," DeHaan said. "But obviously, if there are new escalations, if the U.S. and Iran continue to exchange new attacks, we may not really see much relief at the gas pump until we see some improvement geopolitically."

In Raleigh on Thursday, the average is up to $3.96. In Durham and Chapel Hill it's now $3.97.

You can find the lowest gas prices near you using WRAL's Fuel Tracker.

Consumer Reports has 10 tips to make the most out of a tank of gas, including keeping your tank full so you're not forced to buy the first gas you stumble upon when the tank gets low or during severe weather.

Matt McClain with Gas Buddy said driving slowly is one of the best ways to save gas.

"The best thing we can do that we can control ourselves is slow down on the highways," McClain said. "Drive the speed limit. You'll save 25% to 35% in fuel efficiency. That's a very big deal, especially if you are known for driving a really lead foot and you go a lot faster than the speed limit. That's costing you money."

AAA recommends drivers turn off their cars if they will be stopped for more than 60 seconds and if it is safe to do so, which could include waiting at a stoplight, in a carpool line or at a drive-thru. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that turn off after a minute.

For every 15 minutes of idling, you can burn a quarter gallon of gas, AAA said, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. If you're sitting in the carpool for 30 minutes, that's a half a gallon.

Instead of waiting at a drive-thru, park and go inside the restaurant to order, experts recommend.

Other gas conservation tips from the pros include carpooling, removing excess weight from your vehicle, ensuring its tires are properly maintained, following the speed limit and avoiding aggressive driving, like accelerating and stopping quickly.