INDIANA — Gasoline prices in the Hoosier state saw a marginal increase this week, mirroring a broader national trend as the industry prepares for seasonal transitions and keeps a wary eye on global geopolitics.
According to a survey of 3,271 stations by GasBuddy, average gasoline prices in Indiana rose 1 cent per gallon over the last week, settling at $2.80/g as of today. Despite the slight uptick, local drivers are still seeing relief compared to previous periods; prices are currently 4.1 cents lower than a month ago and 18.2 cents lower than this time last year.
While Indiana’s average sits at $2.80/g, the national average has climbed more aggressively, rising 2.6 cents in the last week to $2.87/g.
Indiana Price Extremes:
- Lowest Price: $2.29/g
- Highest Price: $3.19/g
- Price Gap: 90.0 cents per gallon
Regional Comparison:
- Indianapolis: $2.79/g (up 3.3 cents)
- Cincinnati: $2.72/g (up 1.2 cents)
- Champaign, IL: $2.82/g (down 9.6 cents)
Current prices remain well below the peaks seen during the post-pandemic recovery and the onset of the energy crisis in 2022.
| Date (Feb 16) | Indiana Average | National Average |
| 2026 | $2.80/g | $2.87/g |
| 2025 | $2.98/g | $3.11/g |
| 2024 | $3.30/g | $3.29/g |
| 2023 | $3.32/g | $3.39/g |
| 2022 | $3.33/g | $3.51/g |
| 2021 | $2.48/g | $2.54/g |
Experts warn that the modest pace of recent increases could soon accelerate. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, points to the upcoming “intensification” of refinery maintenance and the mandatory transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline as primary drivers for a potential spring rally.
However, two major global variables are currently acting as a “tug-of-war” for oil prices:
OPEC and its allies (OPEC+) have maintained a pause on production increases through the first quarter of 2026 to stabilize the market. Recent reports suggest the alliance is leaning toward resuming gradual production hikes in April to meet summer demand. If these additional barrels hit the market, they could cap the “upside” of crude oil prices and prevent gas from soaring too high.
Geopolitical risk remains the “unpredictable variable.” As of February 16, markets are closely watching Geneva negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at de-escalating nuclear tensions.
Despite the talks, the U.S. has recently deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East. Any breakdown in diplomacy or interference with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for a third of the world’s sea-borne oil—could trigger an immediate and sharp spike in prices at the pump.
Truckers and logistics firms are also seeing a slight rise in costs. The national average price of diesel increased 1.0 cent this week, currently standing at $3.624 per gallon.
