Midwest Gas Prices Climb for Second Straight Week, Nearing $2.70 per Gallon
Gasoline prices across the Midwest continued their upward trend this week, adding to the financial pressure on commuters and businesses. According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the region reached $2.69 on Monday, marking a four-cent increase from the previous week's average of $2.65.
The recent hike extends a steady climb over the past month, with prices rising approximately nine cents since February. While current prices remain well below the peak of $3.10 recorded in April 2025, they have now moved decisively above the year's low of $2.58 seen in early January. Analysts point to a combination of seasonal refinery maintenance, rising crude oil costs, and increased demand forecasts as primary drivers behind the recent increases.
"This is a predictable but painful seasonal shift," said Martin Riggs, an energy analyst at the Great Lakes Policy Institute. "Refineries are transitioning to summer-grade gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, and global oil markets are reacting to tightening supplies. We expect volatility to continue through the spring."
Despite the recent increases, Midwest drivers are still paying significantly less than the national average. The U.S. average price last week was $2.85 per gallon, making fuel in the Midwest roughly 5.6% cheaper. The national average itself saw a weekly increase, rising from $2.81. Compared to a year ago, however, the regional picture is brighter; the current average is about 9% lower than the $2.95 per gallon motorists paid this time last year.
The EIA's Midwest region comprises fifteen states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Price fluctuations can vary significantly within this vast area.
>> TRACK PRICES IN YOUR AREA: Explore interactive historical gas price data at data.petoskeynews.com.
Reader Reactions
Janice P., a small business owner from Indianapolis: "Every penny at the pump hurts. I run a delivery service, and these increases come straight out of my already thin margins. It feels like we just catch our breath from one price spike, and another begins."
David L., a commuter from suburban Chicago: "It's annoying, but it's the reality of driving. I've started consolidating trips and using the grocery store fuel points more strategically. It's a manageable increase for now, but I'm watching the trend closely."
Marcus T., a rideshare driver from Detroit: "This is absolute greed, plain and simple. The oil companies and refineries are posting record profits while the rest of us struggle to get to work. They blame 'seasonal factors' every year—it's a broken record excuse for price gouging. When does it end?"
Professor Eleanor Shaw, Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison: "The regional price differential is largely due to lower state fuel taxes and proximity to major refining hubs like the Gulf Coast. While the weekly increase is modest, its persistence could begin to weigh on consumer sentiment and discretionary spending in the region, especially if it continues into the summer travel season."
This story is based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and was produced in partnership with local newsrooms across the USA TODAY Network.