Gas Prices Vary Widely by Location and Type The cost of a "bottle of gas" often refers to a standard propane tank (like a 20 lb BBQ cylinder) or gasoline in a container, but prices fluctuate based on region, supplier, and market trends as of February 2026. Recent U.S. national averages for regular gasoline hover around $2.94 per gallon , while a typical 20 lb propane tank refill costs $15–$25 depending on your area.

Current Gasoline Snapshot

Gasoline ("gas" in a bottle or jug) is priced per gallon in the U.S., with these latest figures:

  • National average : $2.94/gallon (up from $2.89 last week).
  • Year-over-year : Down from $3.15/gallon in 2025, thanks to steady supply and moderated demand.
  • Regional spreads (per AAA data): Higher in California (~$4.50+), lower in the South (~$2.70).

Fuel Type| National Avg (Feb 2026)| Change from Last Week| YoY Comparison
---|---|---|---
Regular Gasoline| $2.94/gal 3| +$0.05 3| -$0.21 vs 2025 3
Mid-Grade| ~$3.25/gal 2| Stable 5| Down slightly 7
Propane (20 lb tank)| $15–$25/refill 1| Varies by station| Stable amid low oil prices 9

Propane "Bottle" Specifics

If you're asking about a portable propane bottle (common for grills or camping):

  • 20 lb tank : Typically $16–$22 to refill at stores like Walmart or gas stations.
  • Exchange programs : Around $20–$25 for a full tank swap (e.g., Blue Rhino).
  • Factors: Bulk buying drops it to $12–$15/lb in rural areas; urban spots add $5+ for convenience.

Why Prices Are Trending Like This

Oil markets influence both: Gasoline wholesale hit ~$1.91/gal recently, pushing retail up slightly ahead of holiday travel. Demand rose to 8.3M barrels/day, but ample supply (259M barrels) keeps a lid on spikes. Pro tip : Check apps like GasBuddy for local "bottled" deals—prices can differ by 20–50¢/gal block-to-block.

Regional Spotlights & Forum Buzz

  • High-cost zones : West Coast sees $4+/gal due to taxes/refining.
  • Bargain spots : Midwest/Gulf under $2.80.
  • Trending chatter (forums like Reddit): Users note propane's edge for off-grid use amid gas hikes—"Swapped my BBQ tank for $18 yesterday, beats $3/gal!".

"Gas up a couple cents for Valentine's weekend, but still cheaper than last year—fill 'er up!" – AAA update.

For exact local pricing, apps or station signs beat averages every time. TL;DR : ~$3/gal gasoline or $18–$22 for a 20 lb propane bottle nationwide—shop around!

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.