RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - If you felt a sudden financial squeeze at the pump this week, relax — it was probably just two cents. Across the nation, gas prices crept up an average of 2 cents compared to last week. As of February 16, 2026, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded stands at $2.92, up from $2.90. Yes, two whole pennies. Try not to blow it all in one place.
Meanwhile, in the Volunteer State, Tennessee drivers are humming a slightly different tune. The statewide average for regular unleaded dropped 3 cents, landing at $2.52 per gallon. Just one week ago, on February 9, the average stood at $2.55, placing Tennessee eighth among the cheapest states in the country to fill up.
However, fuel rankings can be as dramatic as a country ballad. According to AAA, Tennessee slid from the number eight spot to number nine. Why? Because Texas edged ahead — barely. The difference between the two states is almost comically small: Texas averages $2.521 per gallon, while Tennessee averages $2.525. That’s four-tenths of a cent. You’d lose more than that digging through your car’s cup holder.
Holding steady in the number one position for cheapest gas is Oklahoma. The Sooners continue their reign with regular unleaded averaging $2.29 per gallon, down 3 cents from last week. Apparently, where the buffalo roam, so do the bargains.
Rutherford County Hits a High Note - Closer to home, drivers in the Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne areas have reason to smile. In Rutherford County, the average price for regular unleaded is $2.45 per gallon. That’s a notable 12 cents lower than last week’s average of $2.57.
To the south in Shelbyville, drivers are paying $2.42 per gallon. Head north to Wilson County, and prices rise slightly to $2.49. Travel east into Cannon County, and you’ll see $2.63 per gallon. In nearby Nashville, drivers are starting the week at $2.60.
Then there’s Williamson County — because of course there is. In the Franklin and Brentwood areas, regular unleaded is averaging $3.03 per gallon. And yes, that’s for the basic 87-octane, not the premium “treat yourself” blend.
Statewide Averages: The Full Breakdown - Across Tennessee, regular unleaded averages $2.52 per gallon, down 3 cents from last week. Mid-grade fuel averages $2.99, down 1 cent. Premium gasoline now averages $3.38 per gallon, down 2 cents from last week’s $3.40.
Luxury vehicle owners may describe that as “encouraging.” Their wallets may disagree.
Diesel Drivers, Brace Yourselves - Diesel currently averages $3.34 per gallon in Tennessee, up 1 cent from last week’s $3.33. The good news? Tennessee still ranks 11th among the states with the cheapest diesel prices.
Compared to this time last year, diesel is actually 7 cents cheaper. On February 16, 2025, the average price for diesel in Tennessee was $3.41 per gallon.
Nationally, Oklahoma also claims the top spot for the cheapest diesel at $3.14 per gallon. Last week, it was even lower at $3.11. Texas follows in second place at $3.20 per gallon.
So yes, prices are up. And down. And sideways. Depending on where you live.
But for now, Tennessee drivers can take comfort in knowing that while the rest of the country wrestles with a two-cent increase, the Volunteer State quietly shaved three cents off the top — which, in today’s economy, practically counts as a windfall.
GasBuddy.com Reports 5-Year Historical Comparison of TN and U.S. Gas Prices:
- February 16, 2025: $2.77/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.11/g)
- February 16, 2024: $2.98/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.29/g)
- February 16, 2023: $3.12/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.39/g)
- February 16, 2022: $3.28/g in TN (U.S. Average: $3.51/g)
- February 16, 2021: $2.26/g in TN (U.S. Average: $2.54/g)
