RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Welcome to May 2026, where gasoline prices continue behaving like they’re training for the Olympics. According to AAA, the nationwide average for regular unleaded has climbed to $4.51 per gallon, while Tennessee currently sits at $4.12. That $4.12 mark in the Volunteer State is technically three cents cheaper than last week’s statewide average of $4.15, so everybody remain calm - relief has officially arrived. At this rate, drivers saving three cents at the pump are celebrating like they just won a scratch-off ticket and found onion rings in the bottom of the takeout bag.
Here in Rutherford County, motorists are paying about $4.08 per gallon for regular grade gas. Oddly enough, that actually makes the area look pretty good compared to portions of the state, which says more about Tennessee fuel prices than it does about Rutherford County’s “bargains.”
South of the county line in neighboring Bedford County, residents are paying around $4.03 per gallon for 87-octane, while over in Woodbury, drivers are forking over roughly $4.26 per gallon for the same grade fuel. Williamson County, naturally, decided regular gasoline should come with valet parking and piano music, posting the highest average in Tennessee at $4.32 per gallon. Again, that is for regular grade gas in the Brentwood / Franklin area, and just over the county line in Williamson County.
Meanwhile in Nashville, commuters are spending approximately $4.18 for regular unleaded, which explains why half the city now appears emotionally exhausted before 8 a.m.
Oddly enough, Tennessee is still ranked among the cheaper states nationwide. Last year at this time, the Volunteer State held the third-lowest average fuel price in America at $2.72 per gallon. Fast forward one year, and Tennessee has slipped to ninth place. Still a Top 10 spot, but this is kind of like bragging about being one of the cheapest seats on a cruise ship that’s already sinking.
The truly brave among us — also known as people driving vehicles requiring premium grade fuel - are now staring down an average of $4.98 per gallon in Tennessee. Luxury SUV owners may soon begin introducing themselves with, “Hi, I own a brand new Range Rover and I make terrible financial decisions.” Other premium gas users are asking, "Will it really hurt my vehicle if I start using 87-octane instead of 93?" Good question, find that answer by visiting the website of the manufacture of your car, truck, van or SUV. As an example, here's a link to what Toyota writes.... Click Here.
And if you think Tennessee sounds rough, allow California to enter the chat wearing sunglasses and carrying emotional damage. Drivers there are paying an average of $6.15 for regular gas and $6.57 for premium. At those numbers, folks on the West Coast probably expect the pump to include a free shoulder massage and small appetizer platter.
Texas currently holds the cheapest average fuel price in the country at $3.97 per gallon. Of course, getting there from Rutherford County may require approximately two tanks of gas and a personal loan, but still - options exist.
Diesel owners are also enjoying the fun. Tennessee diesel prices dropped from $5.19 last week to $5.16 this week. The sun continues to shine during the stunning three-cent decline. Historians will surely gather one day to discuss where they were during the Great Diesel Discount of 2026. Just 9-Weeks ago, diesel in Tennessee was selling for an average price of $4.92 per gallon, which is .24-cents less than Monday's price-point.
California diesel prices, meanwhile, have ballooned to $7.41 per gallon. At that point, truck drivers aren’t filling tanks anymore -- they’re making monthly investments.
GasBuddy’s five-year comparison shows just how wild things have become. On May 18, 2025, Tennessee averaged only $2.67 per gallon. Back then, people complained when prices hit three bucks. Those were simpler times… innocent times… magical times.
5-Year Gas Price Comparison from GasBuddy.com (Comparing TN to U.S. Prices Today):
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May 18, 2025: $2.67/g (U.S. Average: $3.14/g)
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May 18, 2024: $3.13/g (U.S. Average: $3.58/g)
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May 18, 2023: $3.12/g (U.S. Average: $3.52/g)
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May 18, 2022: $4.29/g (U.S. Average: $4.58/g)
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May 18, 2021: $2.87/g (U.S. Average: $3.04/g)
For now, Rutherford County residents can take comfort in one important fact: While prices may feel painful locally, somebody in California just spent $104 filling-up a Honda Civic and is pretending everything is perfectly fine.
