Utah motorists are facing rising costs at the pump as national gasoline averages climb, according to data from AAA. While local fuel prices fluctuate across the state, the national average for gasoline rose to $4.1060 per gallon as of July 31, 2026, reflecting a broader trend of increasing costs for drivers across the country.
National Price Trends
Gasoline prices across the United States have shown significant movement recently. AAA reported that the national average for gasoline reached $4.1060 on July 31, 2026, up from a previous national average of $4.0910 recorded on July 29, 2026. This upward trend follows a period where national averages jumped by as much as 15 cents, according to AAA reporting.
Local Utah Station Pricing
In Utah, local fuel prices vary significantly depending on the station and location. According to GasBuddy data, several stations in the Ogden area are offering regular fuel for approximately $3.95 at One9 Fuel Stop on 12th Street. Other nearby options include Maverik in Marriott-Slaterville, where regular fuel is priced at $3.98, and a Maverik location in South Jordan with a regular fuel price of $3.97.
Other retail locations show slightly higher costs for motorists. In Ogden, Costco reported regular fuel prices of $3.99, while a Flying J location in Ogden is priced at $4.15. In South Jordan, Sam's Club has been listed with regular fuel at $3.98. These variations highlight the diverse pricing landscape available to Utah drivers across different retail chains and municipalities.
State Fuel Tax Structure
The cost of fuel in Utah is also influenced by state tax structures managed by the Utah State Tax Commission. According to the Tax Commission, all fuel sold in Utah for operating motorized vehicles, including aircraft and watercraft, is subject to taxation before it reaches the retail level. This revenue is directed toward the state's transportation fund.
For motor fuels, the state maintains specific tax rates that are subject to periodic updates. As of July 1, 2026, the motor fuel tax rate is set at $0.319 per gallon. This represents a specific rate within a schedule of historical adjustments that has seen the tax fluctuate significantly over the last decade.
Taxation and Compliance
The Utah State Tax Commission maintains detailed records of tax rates for various fuel types to ensure compliance. For example, the tax rate for motor fuels underwent a specific adjustment effective July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to be $0.379 per gallon for the period between July 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
Other fuel types also carry specific tax obligations. The current rate for gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) or diesel gallon equivalents (DGE) is $0.207 per GGE/DGE, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, the state imposes an Environmental Assurance Fee of $0.0065 per gallon, a rate that has been in effect since January 1, 2015.
Regulatory and Filing Requirements
The complexity of fuel taxation includes specific rules for different types of carriers. The Utah State Tax Commission specifies that non-federally certificated air carriers are taxed at $0.090 per gallon, while federally certificated air carriers are taxed at $0.040 per gallon. A specific rate of $0.025 per gallon applies to federally certificated air carriers at the Salt Lake City Airport, effective since 2009.
For fuel suppliers and distributors, the Tax Commission requires monthly filings using the TC-109 Fuels Tax Return. These returns must be uploaded through Utah’s Taxpayer Access Point (TAP). Non-licensed fuel accounts are required to file refund applications using the TC-116 form, particularly in instances involving fuel that is lost, destroyed by fire, flood, crime, or accident, or fuel returned to a refinery for re-refining.
Economic Outlook
As national averages continue to fluctuate, Utahans remain reliant on a combination of retail competition and state tax frameworks to navigate the cost of fuel. With national averages rising and state tax rates periodically adjusted, the economic impact of fuel costs remains a central factor for transportation and logistics across the state.
