Gas Prices Predicted to Surge in Western Colorado

Experts warn of potential $3.99 per gallon or higher costs amid oil price spike and global tensions

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:36pm

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A vibrant abstract composition of overlapping triangles and circles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the fluctuating and uncertain nature of gas prices.As global tensions and market volatility drive up gas prices, consumers in Western Colorado brace for an economic squeeze.Grand Junction Today

Gas prices in Western Colorado are experiencing a temporary decrease, but experts predict an imminent rise that could push costs to $3.99 a gallon or higher. This potential increase is linked to a 4% surge in oil prices and ongoing global tensions, especially if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Daily incremental price hikes are expected due to limited oil supply and uncertainty around the situation with Iran.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices can create significant financial strain for consumers, especially college students and others on limited budgets. The potential increase in diesel prices could also impact grocery costs due to the economy's reliance on diesel for transportation.

The details

The current average price at pumps in Western Colorado stands at $4 per gallon, indicating that the recent $0.06 per gallon decrease may be short-lived. This temporary relief is attributed to a market phenomenon known as price cycling, where stations initially raise prices significantly before gradually undercutting each other. However, the broader outlook points to a potential hike in gas prices, following a 4% increase in oil prices that signals a reversal of the recent downward trend.

  • Gas prices in Western Colorado have decreased by $0.06 per gallon in the last week.
  • Diesel prices are currently just $0.20 away from a national record of $5.83 per gallon.

The players

Patrick De Hann

Head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

Karoline Leavitt

White House secretary.

Parker Cunningham

A student at Colorado Mesa University.

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What they’re saying

“because like you're expecting it to be a certain amount in college student you only have a limited amount of money as it is. And so it just having to increase wherever it is, it always is and always has a negative effect.”

— Parker Cunningham, Student

“All the war and everything that's going on, there's just a lot of uncertainty in there. And so I feel like that's usually when the gas prices seem to rise and hopefully, hopefully we can get things maintained and go going back down.”

— Parker Cunningham, Student

“There are also ways by you know going to a loyalty are loyalty wholesale clubs often can have more aggressive prices. Some grocery stores when you're shopping for groceries, may offer discounts by buying certain items. Some stations have cash discounts. GasBuddy has a payments card called Pay with GasBuddy, plus that can save you up to $0.33. There are credit cards that may offer 2 to 4% gas back.”

— Patrick De Hann, Head of petroleum analysis

What’s next

Daily incremental increases in gas prices are currently expected to continue, with the potential for costs to reach $3.99 per gallon or higher if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The takeaway

The fluctuating gas prices in Western Colorado are creating financial strain for consumers, especially college students and others on limited budgets. While there are strategies drivers can use to mitigate rising fuel costs, the broader economic uncertainty and global tensions suggest that further price hikes are likely on the horizon.