CASPER, Wyo. — A month-long slide in Natrona County’s average gas price ended in the past week as the average ticked upward a penny as the national average dropped by the same amount.
The nation’s average price of gasoline rose, then fell, and remains just below its week-ago level at $3.13 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data. The national average is up 3.1 cents from a month ago and down 43 cents from a year ago.
The national average price of diesel fell 3.2 cents in the last week to stand at $3.476 per gallon.
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“While the national average didn’t fall quite as far as anticipated for Memorial Day, it was still one of the most affordable since 2021 — and, when adjusted for inflation, among the cheapest in nearly a decade,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “As we move into the heart of summer, I believe we’re likely to see a relatively stable stretch for gas prices as refinery maintenance wraps up. Don’t expect the national average to rise above $3.30 per gallon, nor drop much below $3 for now.
“While refining issues on the West Coast are beginning to ease, several factors could still influence prices in the weeks ahead — including growing uncertainty around the upcoming hurricane season. We’ll also be watching OPEC+’s meeting this week to see if they boost oil production again for July as well.”
On Monday, AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.17, up 4 cents from last week. In Wyoming, the average is $3.14, down 1 cent. Natrona County’s average rose 1 cent to $2.84, giving the county the cheapest gasoline in the state for eight weeks in a row.
Laramie and Goshen counties continue to leapfrog each other week to week, jockeying to offer the second and third cheapest averages. Laramie County’s 9-cent drop last week brought its average to $2.94, now the state’s second cheapest average, while Goshen County’s price dropped 1 cent to $2.99, ranking it as the third cheapest, according to AAA.
(AAA graphic)
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The cheapest fuel in Natrona County on Tuesday was $2.69 at Exxon, 1968 E. Yellowstone Highway, followed by $2.75 at multiple gas stations in Casper, according to GasBuddy reports.
Also included in GasBuddy’s report:
OIL PRICES Ahead of a key OPEC+ meeting where the organization will be weighing another potential production increase, oil prices remained in the low $60 per barrel range as of Tuesday morning. WTI crude was off 62 cents to $60.95 per barrel, down from $62.08 last week, while Brent crude oil was down 54 cents to $64.20 per barrel, down slightly from last Monday’s $64.91 per barrel fetch. While OPEC+ may resort to raising production again, oil markets were also digesting the possibility of President Trump sanctioning Russia for escalating its attacks on Ukraine in recent days, which could impact oil markets, depending on the degree of any potential move. However, with OPEC+ potentially raising oil production, oil markets may see little overall impact.
OIL AND REFINED PRODUCT SUPPLIES The EIA’s Weekly Petroleum Status Report for the week ending May 16, 2025, showed U.S. oil inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels, about 6% below the seasonal average for this time of year, while the SPR rose 800,000 barrels to 400.5 million. Gasoline inventories rose by 0.8 million barrels and stand 2% below the five-year seasonal average, while distillate inventories rose 0.6 million barrels and are about 16% below the five-year seasonal average. Refinery utilization rose 0.5 percentage points to 90.7%, while implied gasoline demand, EIA’s proxy for retail demand, fell 150,000 bpd to 8.644 million barrels per day.
GAS PRICE TRENDS The most common U.S. gas price encountered by motorists stood at $2.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week, followed by $2.89, $3.09, $2.79, and $3.19, rounding out the top five most common prices.
The median U.S. gas price is $2.99 per gallon, unchanged from last week and about 14 cents lower than the national average.
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The top 10% of stations in the country average $4.60 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average $2.54 per gallon.
The states with the lowest average prices: Mississippi ($2.62), Louisiana ($2.67), and Alabama ($2.71).
The states with the highest average prices: California ($4.77), Hawaii ($4.46), and Washington ($4.35).
Biggest weekly changes: New Mexico (-11.6¢), Nevada (-9.8¢), California (-8.5¢), Texas (-8.1¢), Utah (-7.8¢)
DIESEL PRICE TRENDS The most common U.S. diesel price stood at $3.49 per gallon, up 10 cents from last week, followed by $3.39, $3.29, $3.19, and $3.59, rounding out the top five most common prices.
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The median U.S. diesel price is $3.39 per gallon, unchanged from last week and about 8 cents lower than the national average.
Diesel prices at the top 10% of stations in the country average $4.75 per gallon, while the bottom 10% average $2.87 per gallon.
The states with the lowest average diesel prices: Texas ($3.01), Louisiana ($3.07), and Oklahoma ($3.08).
The states with the highest average diesel prices: Hawaii ($5.27), California ($5.04), and Washington ($4.60).
Biggest weekly changes: Florida (+9.7¢), Oregon (+8.9¢), Washington (+7.5¢), Texas (-7.4¢), New Mexico (-7.2¢)
Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails has officially released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional appraisal services to evaluate concession facilities at Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
These appraisals are mandated by 2026 Senate Enrolled Act 27, Section 335, which requires appraisals of the “capital investment” and “ongoing concern” for the businesses known as the Star Plunge and the Hot Springs Hotel and Spa.
Qualified professional appraisers are encouraged to review the full requirements. Proposals must be submitted through the State’s Public Purchase online bidding system by 2:00 p.m., May 18, 2026. To view the full RFP (Number 0270-M), please visit https://www.publicpurchase.com/gems/wyominggsd,wy/buyer/public/home.
For additional information, contact Wyoming State Parks’ Visitor Services Manager Stephanie Dillmon at (307) 777-5734 or by email at Stephanie.Dillmon2@wyo.gov or learn more about Wyoming State Parks at wyoparks.wyo.gov.
When a clinic closes in Wyoming, it doesn’t just close a door; it can cut off access to care for entire communities.
For many residents, getting to a health care provider already means traveling long distances across multiple counties, and local clinics are often the only nearby option for basic health care. With one Title X Family Planning clinic in western Wyoming now closed, the challenge is becoming even more real for many people.
Reproductive and sexual health care is a key part of overall health, but it’s often one of the first services people lose access to when clinics close. Title X Family Planning is a federal program that helps people get essential preventive care, no matter their income. These clinics offer services like birth control, cancer screenings, STI and HIV testing, and care before pregnancy. They help people stay healthy, catch problems early, and plan for their futures.
The need is real. Wyoming’s Title X Family Planning network remains a critical part of the state’s health care system, helping bridge gaps in both access and affordability. With 9 clinics currently serving communities across the state, these providers cared for nearly 12,000 patients through more than 28,000 visits between 2022 and 2025. For many, these clinics are their only source of care: 49% of patients were uninsured, and nearly half were living at or below the federal poverty level.
In a state where distance and cost can both be barriers, affordable care is essential. About 14.6% of Wyoming women ages 19–44 are uninsured, higher than the national average. Title X clinics help meet this need by offering low- or no-cost care, while also connecting patients to referrals and additional health services when needed, ensuring more individuals can get the care they deserve.
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These clinics are also on the front lines of prevention. In recent years, they delivered more than 3,100 cervical cancer screenings and about 20,000 STI and HIV tests. Services like these support early detection and treatment, helping reduce the need for more serious and costly care down the line.
In rural states like Wyoming, once a clinic closes, it is very hard to bring it back. These clinics are more than buildings; they are part of the local health care system that keeps communities healthy.
The good news is that Title X Family Planning clinics are still open, working every day to serve their communities. The Wyoming Health Council supports this network of clinics and works to ensure that people across the state can access the care they need. Through partnerships, education, and community-based programs, the organization helps connect Wyoming residents to reproductive and sexual health services, no matter where they live.
In a state where distance, cost, and provider shortages all play a role, these clinics, and the work supporting them, are more than just a convenience. They are a lifeline.
To help sustain this work and protect access to care across Wyoming, consider making a donation to the Wyoming Health Council.
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Donation Link: givebutter.com/WYTitleX
Required Federal Funding statement: This project is supported by the Office of Populations Affairs (OPA) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award 1 FPHPA 006541-0-00 totaling $978,380 with 100 percent funded by OPA/OASH/HHS. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by OPA/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government.
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CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper City Council voted Tuesday to approve on first reading a zoning change for a vacant 2.4-acre parcel located at 1530 SE Wyoming Boulevard, transitioning the property from residential to commercial use.
The ordinance reclassifies Lot 4 of the Methodist Church Addition from Residential Estate to General Business. Located between East 15th and East 18th streets, the irregular-shaped property has remained undeveloped since it was first platted in 1984.
While original plans for the subdivision envisioned a church and an associated preschool, Community Development Director Liz Becher reported those projects never materialized.
According to Becher, the applicant sought the rezoning to facilitate the potential installation of a cell tower or an off-premises sign. Under the new C-2 designation, a cell tower up to 130 feet in height is considered a permitted use by right, though any off-premises sign would still require a conditional use permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The applicant also owns the adjacent lot to the north, which the city rezoned to general business in 2021.
Becher said the change aligns with the “Employment Mixed Use” classification in the Generation Casper comprehensive land use plan. This designation typically supports civic, institutional and employment spaces.
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Despite the new zoning, the property remains subject to a subdivision agreement that limits traffic access. Entry and exit are restricted to right turns onto or from East 15th Street, and no access is permitted from East 18th Street.
The council will vote on two more readings of the ordinance before it is officially ratified.
