MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) -  Gas prices may not be the most thrilling topic in Tennessee, but anytime the cost of filling up starts moving in the right direction, it deserves at least a polite round of applause - or maybe a relieved sigh from anyone driving something larger than a lawn mower.

As of early Monday morning, June 15, 2026, Tennessee ranked fourth in the nation for the lowest average price of regular unleaded gasoline. The Volunteer State also landed in the number five spot for mid-grade fuel, with that average sitting at $4.05 per gallon. Premium gasoline drivers, who apparently enjoy both horsepower and financial suspense, will be glad to know Tennessee remains in the top ten for lowest premium fuel prices, with the statewide average at $4.46 per gallon, according to AAA, the Auto Club.

At the start of June, Tennesseans were looking at an average regular unleaded price of $3.90 per gallon. After a slight increase, prices have now started easing back down. From East Tennessee to West Tennessee - all 440 miles of it - Monday morning’s statewide average for regular unleaded stood at $3.60 per gallon.

Closer to home, Rutherford County drivers are paying an average of $3.40 per gallon for 87 octane. South of Murfreesboro, Bedford County motorists are seeing slightly better numbers, with regular unleaded averaging $3.33 per gallon in Shelbyville and surrounding communities. Coffee County is close behind at $3.37 per gallon, while Cannon County drivers are dealing with a sharper pinch at $3.57 per gallon. To the north, motorists in Wilson County, including the Mt. Juliet and Lebanon areas, are paying around $3.47 per gallon.

West of Rutherford County, the story gets a little more expensive. In Nashville, drivers are paying about $3.69 per gallon for regular unleaded, roughly 29 cents higher than the average in the Murfreesboro and Smyrna area. Apparently, the price of living near Broadway includes paying more before you ever make it downtown.

However, the unofficial gold medal for highest gas prices in Tennessee remains firmly in the hands of Williamson County. Drivers passing through Brentwood or Franklin are paying an average of $4.09 per gallon for regular unleaded; about 69 cents more than the average price in Rutherford County. At that rate, the fuel pump may ask whether you would like to finance the transaction.

For those driving vehicles that require premium gasoline, the current statewide average is $4.46 per gallon. That is actually much better than one month ago, when premium was averaging $4.96 per gallon. In other words, it is still expensive, but at least it is no longer trying quite as hard to ruin your week.

Drivers of oversized pickups and large SUVs can expect to spend around $112 to fill a 25-gallon tank with premium fuel. That number may be enough to make some motorists briefly consider walking, until they remember it is June in Tennessee.

Still, premium fuel users in Tennessee can find a small bit of comfort in knowing they are not in California, where regular unleaded is averaging around $6.15 per gallon. Yes, regular unleaded- not premium, not racing fuel, not gasoline poured from a crystal pitcher. Just regular gas.

Looking back over the past five years, Tennessee’s fuel prices have seen plenty of movement. On June 15, 2025, regular unleaded averaged $2.65 per gallon in Tennessee, compared to the national average of $3.08. On the same date in 2024, Tennessee averaged $3.02, while the U.S. average was $3.43. In 2023, the state average was $3.16, with the national average at $3.56. The painful high point came in 2022, when Tennessee drivers were paying $4.62 per gallon, while the national average reached $5.02. Back in 2021, Tennessee’s average was $2.85, with the country sitting at $3.08.

Nationwide, the current average price for regular unleaded is $4.06 per gallon. Indiana holds the lowest average in the country, with regular unleaded at approximately $3.42 per gallon. So, while Tennessee drivers may still wince at the pump, the Volunteer State continues to look relatively affordable compared to much of the country.

Diesel prices are also improving, although “improving” is doing some heavy lifting. In Tennessee, diesel is currently averaging $4.80 per gallon. That is down 39 cents from one month ago and 12 cents lower than last week’s average of $4.92 per gallon. For truck drivers and diesel vehicle owners, that is not exactly a celebration - but it is at least a step away from financial heartburn.