Retail gas prices by year and president

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) tracks the cost of oil and gas prices in the United States.

There are a number of factors that cause the rise and fall of gas prices. According to the EIA, retail gas prices are determined by four main components:

  • The cost of crude oil (56%)
    • Refining costs and profits (14%)
      • Distribution and marketing costs and profits (16%)
        • Taxes (15%)

          While presidents have little to do with the fluctuation of gas prices, the following chart looks at how much monthly retail gas prices were during each president's term since the early 1990s. Note: The EIA began releasing monthly gasoline prices in April 1993. Data is not available prior to this date.

          The chart is updated monthly.

          Average Gas Price by Presidential Term

          • Bill Clinton (D)* - $1.20
            • George W. Bush (R) - $2.18
              • Barack Obama (D) - $3.03
                • Donald Trump (R) - $2.57

                  Notes: * Data from the US Energy Information Administration only goes back to April 1993 and does not capture the first few weeks of Bill Clinton's term. ▪️A term average is not available for Joe Biden as he is currently serving his term.