Last Updated on September 22, 2026 12:20 pm
Gas prices in the High Country have surged to their highest levels since the spring, with the Boone-area price for regular unleaded jumping 29 cents from last week to $4.18 per gallon Tuesday — a dramatic single-week increase driven by crude oil climbing back above $100 per barrel.
The county's cheapest regular is $4.15 per gallon at the Speedway in Banner Elk. Most Boone-area stations are at $4.18, including Sheetz on Chestnut Drive, multiple Speedway locations, and multiple Circle K locations across the area.
The North Carolina average has jumped roughly 20 cents in a single week to $4.16 per gallon, according to AAA. The national average stands at $4.475 per gallon, according to AAA — up from $4.313 last week. Analysts note the surge is occurring during a period when gas prices typically fall due to lower seasonal demand, making the current increases particularly notable.
The cause is the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, which has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil has climbed back above $100 per barrel for the first time since July 2026, keeping sustained upward pressure on pump prices nationwide.
Diesel prices have also hit levels approaching national record territory. The county diesel low is $6.09 per gallon at two Circle K locations. Speedway in Banner Elk is at $6.19, while most Boone-area stations are at $6.29. A CITGO in Zionville is at $6.39. The national average for diesel has reached approximately $6.25 per gallon, near the all-time record of $6.31 set in mid-September 2026.
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)
