For the first time, the average price of a gallon of diesel in North Carolina has topped $6.
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Gas prices are eye-popping, too. On Tuesday, North Carolina drivers were paying an average $4.03 for a gallon of regular gas, according to AAA.
Average gas prices in the state haven’t surpassed $4 since May 29, though today’s price is below this year’s peak, $4.24 per gallon, which was reached May 21.
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While fuel prices often fall with the end of summer driving season, they have continued to surge as instability in the Middle East and Russia threaten oil supplies. Since Labor Day, the cost of gas in North Carolina has increased 19 cents a gallon on average, while diesel prices have risen 23 cents a gallon and 72 cents over the last month.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Dave Hendrickson, Richard Stradling and Renee Umsted, who also wrote and edited the source reporting referenced above.
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This story was originally published September 15, 2026 at 10:31 AM.