Gas Prices at Five-Year Low but Summer Spike to $3.20 Expected

National gas prices are sitting at $2.82 per gallon, the lowest level in five years, giving a boost to spring road trip demand. But the window may be closing — prices are projected to climb 13 percent to around $3.20 per gallon by summer.

The current low prices are driven by a combination of mild winter demand and strategic petroleum reserve releases. However, rising crude oil costs linked to the Middle East conflict are expected to push pump prices higher as refineries switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline.

Hertz reports that one in three rental customers is currently booking specifically for driving vacations, reflecting renewed interest in road trips fueled by cheap gas. National park visits, coastal drives, and cross-country itineraries are all seeing stronger booking numbers.

Florida, California, and the Southwest corridor remain the most popular road trip regions. The gap between current gas prices and projected summer prices means travelers who can shift road trips to April or early May will save significantly over those who wait until July.

For budget-conscious travelers, the current pricing environment makes driving competitive with flying on routes under 500 miles, especially for families splitting fuel costs.