Gas prices don’t just vary by location—they fluctuate by the day of the week. Knowing the best time to fill up can help you stretch your fuel budget further, especially if you’re consistently driving for work, commuting long distances, or planning a road trip. While the savings per gallon might seem small, they add up fast with regular fill-ups.

Data-backed trends from industry reports

According to GasBuddy, a leading fuel price tracking app, Mondays tend to offer the lowest average gas prices in the U.S., followed closely by Tuesday. Conversely, Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday weekends are typically the most expensive times to buy gas due to increased travel demand.

In a multi-year analysis, GasBuddy found that gas prices can jump as much as 10–15 cents per gallon during peak days compared to early in the week. That can mean a difference of $1.50 to $3.00 per tank depending on your vehicle and location.

Why gas prices vary by day

• Wholesale price adjustments: Stations often receive updated prices from fuel suppliers at the start of the week. Prices can rise mid-week to reflect supply costs or demand surges.
  
• Travel behavior: Many people fill up before weekend trips, creating higher demand on Fridays and Saturdays.
  
• Station pricing strategy: Some stations increase prices before peak travel days to maximize margins.
  

Smart refueling strategies

To take advantage of price patterns, consider the following tips:

• Refuel early in the week: Aim to fill up on Monday or Tuesday when prices tend to be lowest.
  
• Avoid weekend fill-ups: Unless absolutely necessary, skip Friday through Sunday to avoid inflated rates.
  
• Use gas price tracking apps: Apps like GasBuddy and Waze allow you to compare nearby prices in real time.
  
• Enroll in loyalty programs: Pair timing with savings from programs like BPme Rewards or Fuel Rewards at Shell.
  
• Combine with cashback options: While this post doesn’t focus on cashback, apps like Fluz can further reduce your effective gas price when used strategically.
  

Plan ahead for holidays and long weekends

During travel-heavy periods like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Thanksgiving, gas prices tend to spike earlier in the week—sometimes as early as Wednesday. If you’re traveling during these times, plan to fuel up at least 3–4 days before your trip begins.

The bottom line

While you can’t control the market, timing your fuel purchases for early in the week can consistently save you money. Pair this with a reliable gas price tracking app and a solid understanding of local pricing trends, and you’ll be well on your way to smarter, more efficient fueling.