Average Price: Gasoline, All Types (Cost per Gallon/3.785 Liters) in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (CBSA)

APUS35A7471A • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

3.27

Year-over-Year Change

-11.05%

Date Range

1/1/1978 - 6/1/2025

Summary

This economic trend measures the average price of gasoline, all types, in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area. It is an important indicator of consumer spending and the local cost of living.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Average Price: Gasoline, All Types trend represents the average price paid per gallon of gasoline in the Washington metro region. This data is used by economists, policy analysts, and consumers to understand fluctuations in energy costs and their impact on the regional economy.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of gasoline retailers in the metropolitan area.

Historical Context

Policymakers and businesses utilize this trend to assess regional economic conditions and the effect of energy prices on consumer behavior and spending.

Key Facts

  • Gasoline prices in the Washington metro area averaged $4.00 per gallon in 2022.
  • Prices peaked at $4.50 per gallon in June 2022 due to global supply chain disruptions.
  • The trend has shown significant volatility in recent years due to fluctuations in crude oil prices.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the average price paid per gallon of gasoline, including all grades and types, in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan region.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The gasoline price trend is an important indicator of consumer spending power and the local cost of living. It is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to understand regional economic conditions.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of gasoline retailers in the Washington metro area.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts use this trend to assess the impact of energy prices on consumer behavior, spending, and the overall regional economy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published monthly with a short lag. There may be some limitations in coverage or representativeness of the survey sample.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Average Price: Gasoline, All Types (Cost per Gallon/3.785 Liters) in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (CBSA) (APUS35A7471A), retrieved from FRED.