INDIANA — Drivers across Indiana are feeling a sharp squeeze at the pump this week as local fuel prices buck national trends and continue a steep upward trajectory.
According to GasBuddy’s weekly survey of 3,271 stations across the state, average gasoline prices in Indiana jumped 11.9 cents per gallon over the past week, reaching $3.61 per gallon today. Indiana’s average sits 54.1 cents per gallon higher than just a month ago and 37.9 cents higher than this time last year.
State & Regional Price Disparities
Gasoline prices across Indiana varied widely over the weekend. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in the state was selling fuel at $3.09 per gallon, while the most expensive station reached $4.69 per gallon—creating a $1.60 per gallon spread across Hoosier pumps.
Metropolitan areas across Indiana and neighboring Midwest regions experienced similar upward pressure:
- Indianapolis, IN: $3.61/g, up 14.0 cents from last week’s $3.47/g.
- Cincinnati, OH: $3.88/g, up 7.8 cents from last week’s $3.80/g.
- Champaign, IL: $4.32/g, up 17.3 cents from last week’s $4.15/g.
Nationally, diesel fuel also saw an increase, rising 7.1 cents in the past week to reach $5.326 per gallon.
National Picture & Historical Comparison
While Indiana prices surged, the national average for unleaded gasoline dipped slightly, falling 0.8 cents per gallon over the past week to average $4.05 per gallon today. The U.S. average remains 28.5 cents higher than a month ago and 93.6 cents higher than a year ago, based on GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly reports covering over 150,000 gas stations nationwide.
Here is how current August 3 prices in Indiana compare to historical state and national averages over the past five years:
| Date | Indiana Average | U.S. Average |
| August 3, 2026 | $3.61/g | $4.05/g |
| August 3, 2025 | $3.23/g | $3.11/g |
| August 3, 2024 | $3.61/g | $3.46/g |
| August 3, 2023 | $3.76/g | $3.82/g |
| August 3, 2022 | $4.05/g | $4.12/g |
| August 3, 2021 | $3.17/g | $3.19/g |
Expert Analysis: Geopolitics and Refinery Stress
Industry analysts attribute current market swings to a combination of international tensions, refinery disruptions, and fluctuating crude markets.
“Average gasoline prices were a mixed bag across the country last week as oil markets went on a wild ride, surging on geopolitical tensions before pulling back Sunday night after President Trump signaled a potential deal may be in the works,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
“However, even as oil prices ease on deal optimism, continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are driving refined product prices higher as output plummets, keeping upward pressure on what Americans pay at the pump. By later this week, the national average could reach its highest level ever recorded for this point in the calendar year, a sobering milestone even as prices remain well below the all-time record set in 2022. Motorists should keep a close eye on developments both in the Middle East and in Ukraine, as either front could quickly shift the outlook.”
