Iowa Gas Prices Dip Slightly, But Remain High

Average price falls 3.3 cents to $3.29 per gallon, still up sharply from last year

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A minimalist, abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the volatility of gasoline prices in Iowa.Fluctuating fuel costs continue to impact consumer budgets and the broader Iowa economy.Burlington Today

Average gasoline prices in Iowa have dipped slightly over the past week, falling 3.3 cents to an average of $3.29 per gallon, according to GasBuddy. However, prices remain significantly higher than recent benchmarks, up 65.9 cents from a month ago and 26.5 cents higher than this time last year.

Why it matters

The fluctuations in Iowa gas prices reflect the broader volatility in the energy market, with prices remaining elevated compared to historical norms. This is impacting consumer budgets and the broader economy, as high fuel costs ripple through supply chains and spending patterns.

The details

Across the state, prices varied widely, ranging from a low of $2.85 to a high of $4.19 per gallon. Meanwhile, the national average for gasoline rose 2.4 cents to $3.95 per gallon, while diesel prices jumped 14.3 cents to $5.369 per gallon—the highest level since July 2022.

  • As of March 31, 2026

The players

GasBuddy

A company that provides real-time gas price information and analysis.

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The takeaway

The fluctuations in Iowa gas prices highlight the ongoing volatility in the energy market, with prices remaining elevated compared to historical norms. This is putting pressure on consumer budgets and the broader economy, underscoring the need for policies and innovations that can help stabilize fuel costs.