South Carolina gas prices
South Carolina is one of the cheapest states for gas on the East Coast. Low gas taxes and direct access to the Colonial Pipeline keep prices well below the national average. The state has been a popular fill-up stop for travelers heading down I-95 to Florida for years.
Charleston and the coast get fuel via pipeline and marine terminal. The Upstate region around Greenville and Spartanburg is well-connected via pipeline too. Prices across the state are fairly consistent. South Carolina raised its gas tax modestly in recent years to fund road improvements, but it's still among the lowest on the East Coast.
Price history
Why is gas so cheap in South Carolina?
Low state gas taxes and direct access to the Colonial Pipeline. South Carolina doesn't have refineries of its own, but fuel from Gulf Coast refineries reaches the state efficiently via pipeline, keeping transportation costs low.
Is South Carolina a good place to fill up on I-95?
Yes. Drivers heading from the Northeast to Florida regularly plan fuel stops in South Carolina because it's one of the cheapest states along the I-95 corridor. The price drop from North Carolina to South Carolina is usually noticeable.
How did the Colonial Pipeline shutdown affect South Carolina?
The 2021 ransomware attack caused temporary gas shortages across South Carolina. Many stations ran dry as consumers panic-bought fuel. Prices spiked briefly but returned to normal within a couple of weeks once the pipeline restarted.