Last Updated on September 14, 2026 12:44 pm
Gas prices are climbing at both the local and national level this week, with the national average jumping 16 cents in a single week as the U.S.-Iran conflict continues to push oil prices higher.
The county's cheapest regular unleaded is $3.79 per gallon at the 76 station on US-321 South in Blowing Rock. Most Boone-area stations are at $3.89, including Sheetz on Chestnut Drive, multiple Speedway locations, and Quality Plus on US-421 North. Circle K on NC-105 South is at $3.90.
The national average for regular gasoline surged to $4.313 per gallon Monday, according to AAA — up 16 cents from $4.151 last week and the highest level since the spring spike. The North Carolina average has risen to $3.90 per gallon, according to EIA data as of September 14.
Diesel prices are also climbing sharply. The county diesel low is $5.99 per gallon, with that price now the standard at Sheetz, multiple Speedway locations across Boone, the Banner Elk Speedway, Circle K on NC-105 South, and both Quality Plus locations. That's up 20 cents from last week's $5.79 county low.
The continued rise in prices reflects ongoing volatility in global oil markets tied to the conflict in the Middle East. Gas is still roughly 24 percent more expensive nationally than it was a year ago, according to Consumer Price Index data.
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)
