Good news: gas prices are down again this week in Pa., from $4.13 to $4.10 a gallon

Bad news: that’s still higher than the national average of $4.10 a gallon, and nearly a dollar more than the $3.12 a gallon Pennsylvanians were paying for gas when the US and Israel went to war with Iran on Feb. 28.

While concerns about how long disruptions could last for oil and natural gas production in the region and its transport through the Strait of Hormuz are driving the higher prices, Pennsylvania’s 57.6 per gallon gas tax—the fourth highest in the country— certainly contributes to this pain at the pump.

In this story, we break down what the gas tax pays for, why it’s so high compared to other states, and what lawmakers in Harrisburg are trying to do about it.

Not only has the war in Iran sent gas prices skyrocketing, it’s also raised the cost of food and a wide array of other products. Add rising energy bills to that mix, and it’s no wonder that family budgets are getting tighter and tighter with each passing week.

So we’d like to know: What is your family doing to save money right now?

Here’s how you’re getting by:

“We are retired, so we shop in the morning to catch the deals on meat and produce at Giant.”

— Lydia K., Camp Hill

“On a weekly basis, we are choosing different options for weekly meals and where we shop to pay for groceries. On a broader scale, we do not accept an invitation to go out with friends if it’s too far away or if we have driven too many miles in the days around there. That’s so we can save on gas. Additionally, we are deciding not to purchase season tickets to several of our favorite venues (i.e. local theaters) to reduce spending.”

— Duke Slifko, Greensburg

“We don’t use our dryer; we bought drying racks. We turned down the thermostat and use a portable heater in the evening while we watch TV.”

— Monica B., Pennsylvania

“We’re driving our EV everywhere we can—essentially using one car—so that our gas engine car is only used when we absolutely need to use two cars.”

— Phyllis Horst Nofziger, Lancaster County 

“I definitely think about which groceries I need. Limit eating out to once a month. Lowered the thermostat even though we had a really cold winter, and wore more layers. Invested in a heated throw blanket. It seems like the money doesn’t stretch.”

— Anonymous, Monroeville 

“I have cancelled all pay tv services and rely on free services and the library for what I view.”

— Andrea Cumpston, Northumberland

Let us know what your family is doing to save money, and please let us know where you live.

Milkshakes from the PA Dairymen’s Association, just like the ones they serve at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, will be available this weekend at Delaware Valley University’s annual agricultural fair A-Day. (PA Dairymen’s Association)

Check out these events happening across the commonwealth now through the weekend:

Lewisburg Arts Festival – Saturday (Union County)

Each spring, thousands of people visit the Lewisburg Arts Festival, a free event that welcomes more than 100 artists from central Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Vendors are chosen by a jury of artists and offer a variety of art forms, including fine art and folk art. The festival features food and drinks, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and a free shuttle to transport visitors around downtown Lewisburg.

NFL Draft — Thursday to Saturday (Pittsburgh)

The NFL Draft is much more than the drama of team braintrusts trying to select future franchise cornerstones while they’re on the clock. In recent years, it’s turned into a huge, football-themed festival that’s expected to draw between 500,000 and 700,000 fans to Pittsburgh. The draft itself will take place outside Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore. Across the river, the NFL Draft Experience—the free fan festival—will take over downtown’s Point State Park.

Pennsylvania Maple Festival — Wednesday through Sunday (Meyersdale, Somerset County)

If you missed the Pennsylvania Maple Festival last weekend in the Laurel Highlands, fret not. It’s back for round two beginning Wednesday. While maple syrup is the headliner, there’s plenty more on offer besides the sweet, sticky stuff, like the Maple Race 8K/5K run/walk, horse drawn wagon rides, a tractor pull, live entertainment, and more. 

Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous — Wednesday through Saturday (Ridgway, Elk County)

More than 130 chainsaw artists from around the world will descend upon tiny Ridgway near the Allegheny National Forest to show off their works at the 25th annual Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous. The event, which began years ago as a humble backyard gathering, now features live carving demonstrations, vendors, a “quick-carve” competition, food and drinks, and live entertainment.

A-Day — Friday through Sunday (Doylestown, Bucks County)

If you missed the PA Farm Show earlier this year in Harrisburg, or just want another opportunity to learn about Pa.’s agriculture industry, cuddle a calf, and/or enjoy one of those legendary milkshakes from the PA Dairymen’s Association (the same ones they serve at the Farm Show), head to A-Day at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown. There’s plenty for kids and adults alike, including animal education, interactive demonstrations, inflatable obstacle courses, hayrides, pony rides, a tractor parade, the aforementioned calf cuddling and, of course, food.

• Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court ruled Monday that the state’s constitution guarantees a right to abortion while striking down a decades-long law banning the use of state Medicaid subsidies to cover abortion costs. Get the details here.

• With 52 active data centers and about 70 proposals in various stages of review across the commonwealth, township officials, who are required to remain impartial and judge proposed developments according to the law, are finding themselves caught between angry constituents and litigious businesses. Learn more about how Pa.’s data center dilemma is playing out statewide in this story.

• A high school history teacher in Pa. who helps students look inward to find their strengths and outward to find community has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. Learn about the winning educator here. 

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Grace,

How do I get my kids to help out more around the house?

— Overwhelmed in Delaware County

Dear Overwhelmed,

Moms often bear the brunt of the housework burden, which includes figuring out how to get those dang kids to help out. If you have a co-parent, husband, grandparent, or other adult in the house, ask for their help. You are not alone in struggling to get your kids to do chores, and you shouldn’t be alone in finding a solution.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from The Associated Press, USA Today via Reuters Connect, and Peter Hall of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

The Keystone is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.