Midwest Drivers Catch a Break: Gas Prices Dip Across the Region
Motorists across the Midwest saw a welcome, if modest, reprieve at the pump this week. According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the region fell to $2.65 on Monday, down four cents from the previous week's average of $2.69.
This recent dip, however, comes against a broader trend of rising costs. Compared to a month ago, Midwest fuel prices are actually up by approximately six cents. The current price sits comfortably below the national average of $2.87, making the region's fuel about 7.6% cheaper than the country as a whole. Nationally, prices saw a slight uptick from last week's $2.85.
The volatility of the fuel market remains evident in the yearly comparison. While prices are down from the $2.92 average seen a year ago—a decrease of about 9%—the region has experienced significant swings. The EIA recorded a low of $2.58 on January 5, 2026, and a high of $3.10 just last April.
"This small decline is likely tied to a temporary adjustment in regional refinery output and lower-than-expected demand," said energy analyst Mark Chen, of the Great Lakes Policy Institute. "But with ongoing geopolitical tensions and the seasonal switch to summer blend fuels approaching, this relief may be short-lived."
The EIA's Midwest region encompasses fifteen states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
>> TRACK PRICES IN YOUR AREA: Explore historical gas price trends at data.usatoday.com.
Voices from the Pump
We asked Midwest drivers for their reaction to the fluctuating prices:
Sarah Jenkins, 42, Freight Dispatcher, Indianapolis: "Every cent down helps my bottom line. I manage a small fleet, and these weekly changes directly impact our operating costs. It's a fragile relief, but we'll take it."
David Miller, 58, Retired Teacher, Madison, WI: "It's a shell game. They lower it a few pennies one week after jacking it up for a month. It feels manipulative. Big Oil is always the winner, while families on fixed budgets are constantly recalculating their grocery lists."
Rebecca Lee, 29, Nursing Student, Kansas City, MO: "I commute over an hour to clinicals. Seeing the price drop even a little means I can put that $2 or $3 toward my textbooks instead. It's a small win that makes a real difference in my daily life."
This analysis is based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A version of this report appears on USA TODAY Network sites nationwide.