INDIANA — Hoosier drivers are facing a brutal start to the spring season as gasoline prices across Indiana skyrocketed by an average of 33.4 cents per gallon over the last seven days.
According to the latest survey of 3,271 stations by GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Indiana now stands at $3.80. The spike is part of a broader, aggressive trend; local prices are now a staggering $1.08 per gallon higher than they were just one month ago.
While the state average is $3.80, the gap between the highest and lowest prices remains wide. Yesterday, the cheapest station in Indiana was spotted at $3.12/g, while the most expensive reached $4.29/g—a difference of $1.17 per gallon.
Regional Comparison:
- Indianapolis: $3.77/g (Up 32.4¢ from last week)
- Champaign, IL: $3.98/g (Up 29.1¢ from last week)
- Cincinnati, OH: $3.65/g (Up 30.2¢ from last week)
National Trends and Diesel Surge
The national average for gasoline has also climbed, rising 24.3 cents in the last week to $3.92/g. However, it is diesel users who are feeling the most significant historical pressure. The national average for diesel jumped 27 cents this week to $5.227 per gallon, marking its highest level since late 2022.
Experts point to a “perfect storm” of seasonal shifts and geopolitical instability. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted that supply concerns tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are a primary driver of the current volatility.
“It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark—potentially as early as this week—for the first time since 2022,” said De Haan. “There are few signs of stabilization so far, as global oil prices continue to climb.”
Historical Context: March 23 Price Comparison
Today’s prices reflect a significant departure from the relative stability seen over the last two years.
| Year | Indiana Average | U.S. Average |
| 2026 | $3.80/g | $3.92/g |
| 2025 | $3.17/g | $3.08/g |
| 2024 | $3.49/g | $3.53/g |
| 2023 | $3.42/g | $3.42/g |
| 2022 | $4.16/g | $4.23/g |
| 2021 | $2.68/g | $2.86/g |
With prices rising at a rapid pace, analysts suggest consumers may begin to “pull back” on discretionary travel. As the transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline continues and global tensions remain high, the $4.00 national milestone appears inevitable.
