As gas prices are a significant concern for small business owners, recent forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) promise some relief. According to their latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, retail gasoline prices are expected to decrease by 6% in 2026. While this may sound like great news, regional differences and underlying factors present both opportunities and challenges that small businesses must navigate.
The forecast indicates a general decline in gasoline prices across the United States, with an average drop in 2026 before a slight increase of 1% in 2027. Despite this uptick, prices in 2027 will still remain below the levels seen in 2025, except for the West Coast, where higher gasoline margins due to a reduction in refinery capacity may keep prices at 2025 levels.
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