Louisiana gas prices
Louisiana has some of the cheapest gas in the country, which makes sense. The state is the second-largest refining center in the US after Texas. Refineries line the Mississippi River corridor from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, processing millions of barrels of crude oil daily. When you live next to where the fuel is made, you don't pay much for transportation.
State gas taxes are low too. Louisiana drivers benefit from the same structural advantages as Texas and Mississippi: abundant local supply, low taxes, and competition among stations in refinery country. Hurricane season is the one wild card. Major storms can shut down refineries and spike prices temporarily, but Louisiana bounces back faster than states that depend on imported fuel.
Price history
Why is gas so cheap in Louisiana?
Louisiana is one of the biggest refining states in the US. Refineries along the Mississippi River produce massive amounts of gasoline and diesel. Short supply chains and low state taxes keep pump prices among the lowest in the country.
How badly do hurricanes affect Louisiana gas prices?
It depends on the storm. A direct hit on the refinery corridor can cause significant short-term price spikes as facilities shut down for safety. Katrina (2005), Gustav (2008), and Ida (2021) all caused major disruptions. Prices typically recover within a few weeks once refineries restart.
Is diesel cheaper in Louisiana than most states?
Yes. Louisiana diesel prices are consistently among the lowest nationally. The concentration of refineries and petrochemical infrastructure in the state means diesel supply is abundant. This matters for the state's large commercial fishing, shipping, and trucking industries.