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.
This recent hike extends a broader pattern of rising costs. Over the past month, Midwest gas prices have climbed by approximately nine cents. While current prices remain significantly lower than the peak of $3.10 seen in April 2025, they are inching closer to the yearly high. A year ago, drivers were paying substantially more, with the regional average sitting at $2.95 per gallon—9% higher than current levels.
"This two-week climb is concerning, especially as we head into a period with more travel," said Michael Reynolds, a transportation economist based in Chicago. "While the increase is modest, it reflects ongoing volatility in crude oil markets and regional refinery outputs. The Midwest typically benefits from lower prices due to its proximity to major pipelines and refineries, but that advantage is narrowing."
Nationally, the average price per gallon stood at $2.85 last week, making Midwest prices about 5.6% lower than the country's average. However, the national average has also risen, up from $2.81 per gallon the week prior.
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 these states based on local taxes, supply chains, and competition.
>> TRACK PRICES IN YOUR AREA: Explore historical and current gas price trends with our interactive tool at data.usatoday.com.
Reader Reactions
We asked several readers for their thoughts on the rising costs:
Linda Chen, Small Business Owner (Indianapolis): "Every penny counts for my delivery fleet. This steady creep upward cuts directly into our already thin margins. We might have to consider a fuel surcharge again, which our customers hate."
David Miller, Commuter (St. Louis): "It's frustrating but not shocking. Prices always seem to bounce around. I've started consolidating errands and using the grocery store fuel points program more aggressively. You have to be smart about it."
Robert "Buzz" Kincaid, Retired (Des Moines): "Absolute robbery! It's a manufactured crisis every time. The oil companies and this administration are in lockstep, squeezing the middle class dry. We were promised energy independence and lower costs, and we get this? It's a disgrace."
Priya Sharma, College Student (Madison): "It definitely makes me think twice about a weekend road trip. My friends and I are more likely to split costs or look for alternatives. It feels like a hidden tax on just trying to get around."
This story is part of a nationwide reporting initiative by USA TODAY, powered by data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Feedback or corrections can be submitted here. Originally published by the Columbia Daily Tribune.