Regional gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.88 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.79 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Why are gas prices going up?
Gas prices are jumping around because traders are trying to price in how long the Iran war will disrupt oil flows from the Middle East, on top of the usual spring run-up in demand as driving season approaches. Markets are baking in higher risk and “additional volatility” but not a long-term shutdown, and prices could retreat if it becomes clear the tensions are short-lived, petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said.
Analysts say another 20 to 30 cents a gallon is still likely in the weeks ahead.
The average fuel price in the Midwest region rose about 17 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the region in the last year have been as low as $2.58 on Jan. 5, 2026, and as high as $3.89 on April 13, 2026.
A year ago, the average gas price in the Midwest region was 30% lower at $2.99 per gallon.
>> INTERACTIVE: See how your area’s gas prices have changed over the years at data.usatoday.com.
How do Midwest region gas prices compare to the U.S. average?
The average gas price in the United States last week was $4.12, making prices in the Midwest region about 5.8% lower than the nation’s average. The average national gas price is higher than last week’s average of $4.04 per gallon.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s tally of prices in the Midwest states includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Midwest gasoline prices climb in April 27, 2026 update. Here’s why
