Last Updated on July 14, 2026 12:11 pm
After eight consecutive weeks of declining gas prices, High Country drivers are seeing a significant jump at the pump this week, with the Boone-area low for regular unleaded rising to $3.59 per gallon — up 15 cents from last week's $3.44 low.
Multiple stations are at $3.59, including Sheetz on Chestnut Drive, several Speedway locations on Blowing Rock Road, East King Street, Old East King Street, and in Banner Elk, as well as Quality Plus on Calloway Road and Exxon on Blowing Rock Road. Circle K locations are at $3.61 to $3.62.
The increase mirrors a national trend. GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, reported this week that the national average posted its first weekly increase since May 11, snapping an eight-week streak of declines. The culprit: the collapse of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which triggered fresh attacks and pushed oil prices up more than 4 percent. De Haan warned that further increases may be ahead as markets react to the renewed conflict.
The North Carolina average rose to $3.572 per gallon, according to AAA, up from $3.481 last week. The national average is $3.859, up from $3.790 last week.
Diesel prices also moved higher. The county's diesel low is $4.79 per gallon at the Speedway in Banner Elk, with Quality Plus on Calloway Road at $4.84. Most Boone-area stations are at $4.86, including Sheetz, multiple Circle K locations, Speedway on East King Street, and Harris Teeter on Blowing Rock Road.
Despite this week's jump, local prices remain well below the spring peaks of over $4.00 per gallon seen when the Iran conflict first drove prices higher.
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)
