US gas prices higher than India's despite record oil output
World
Here's a twist: even though the US leads the world in oil production, Americans are paying more for gasoline than people in India.
As of September 21, 2026, US gasoline hit $1.27 per liter, about 12% higher than India's $1.137.
Diesel is pricier too, with US rates at $1.725 per liter versus India's $1.027.
Since August, gas prices jumped 19% in the US but only 6% in India.
Market forces lift US pump prices
It mostly comes down to global market forces and rising crude oil costs: crude nearly touched $100 a barrel this month.
Even with record-breaking production (13.6 million barrels a day last year), factors like worldwide demand, refining costs, taxes, and geopolitics mean American drivers still feel the pinch at the pump.