While Delaware drivers are famously protective of their “no-pump” status, they are currently celebrating a different kind of milestone at the service station. For the first time since the spring of 2021, average gas prices across the First State have plummeted to levels that feel like a time capsule, offering a major financial reprieve just as the new year begins.
As of December 29, 2025, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Delaware has settled at $2.72, significantly undercutting neighboring Maryland and Pennsylvania. With the national average also dipping, Delaware has solidified its position as one of the most competitive fueling hubs in the Mid-Atlantic.
The “Sub-$2.60” Hotspots: Delaware’s Cheapest Towns
While the statewide average is impressive, specific local “price wars” are driving costs even lower in certain counties. If you are near these areas, you are hitting the state’s absolute floor:
- Newark & Glasgow: Leading the state with local stations near the University of Delaware and Pulaski Highway reporting prices as low as $2.55 to $2.57.
- Elsmere: Long known for competitive rates, stations along the Kirkwood Highway are currently holding steady between $2.59 and $2.62.
- Hartly: Central Delaware residents are seeing rare bargains, with local discounters hitting the $2.55 mark.
- Wilmington: While city prices can vary, several stations near the I-95 corridor have dropped to $2.65, attracting a surge of cross-border commuters from Pennsylvania looking to save.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The current “plunge” isn’t a fluke; it is the result of a global shift in energy markets combined with local seasonal advantages:
- Crude Oil Retreat: Global crude oil prices have retreated to the low $60s, which accounts for the lion’s share of your price at the pump.
- The “Winter Blend” Bonus: Refineries have fully transitioned to winter-grade gasoline. This blend is cheaper to produce than the summer version, and in a high-competition state like Delaware, those savings are passed to drivers almost immediately.
- The “95 Corridor” Effect: Delaware’s unique position on the East Coast often forces local stations to keep prices aggressive to attract travelers passing through from higher-tax states like Pennsylvania.
The 2026 Outlook: Will It Last?
The news remains optimistic as we head into the first quarter of 2026. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that gas prices will remain stable through the winter months, with a forecasted national average of roughly $2.75 for the beginning of the year…