Last Updated on May 26, 2026 10:09 am
High Country drivers are finding their best prices in weeks at the pump, with several Boone-area stations dipping below $4.00 per gallon for the first time in recent weeks.
The local low for regular unleaded is $3.93 per gallon at Sheetz on Chestnut Drive — down 8 cents from last Tuesday's area low of $4.01. Multiple stations are now at or below $3.99, including Circle K on West King Street at $3.94 and several Speedway and Quality Plus locations at $3.96 to $3.99.
The Boone area range for regular is $3.93 to $4.03 per gallon as of Tuesday morning, according to GasBuddy.
The North Carolina average stands at $4.145 per gallon, according to AAA, down slightly from $4.174 a week ago. The national average is $4.491 per gallon, also easing from last week's $4.533. Despite the recent dip, AAA noted that Memorial Day weekend gas prices nationally reached four-year highs.
North Carolina's statewide average is up significantly from $3.881 a month ago and well above the year-ago average of $2.851.
Diesel prices are also easing. The county's diesel low is $5.19 per gallon at the Speedway in Banner Elk, down from $5.33 last week. Most Boone-area stations are ranging from $5.48 to $5.52 for diesel, compared to $5.49 to $5.79 last week.
The U.S.-Iran conflict continues to be cited by analysts as a factor keeping upward pressure on global crude prices, though recent weeks have seen modest softening.
WataugaOnline publishes a weekly gas prices report. Prices are sourced from GasBuddy and AAA. Prices may vary by location and change after posting.
(Information provided by GasBuddy and AAA Carolinas)
