Gas Prices Surge 35.5 Cents in Columbus

Gasoline and diesel costs climb sharply in Ohio capital amid supply concerns

Mar. 23, 2026 at 10:03am

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According to GasBuddy, average gas prices in Columbus, Ohio have risen 35.5 cents per gallon in the past week, now averaging $3.74 per gallon. Prices are 84 cents higher than a month ago and 59.7 cents above last year's levels. The national average price of gasoline has also jumped 24.3 cents to $3.92 per gallon, while diesel has surged 27 cents to $5.227 per gallon, the highest since November 2022.

Why it matters

The rapid rise in gas and diesel prices is squeezing consumers' budgets and raising concerns about the broader economic impact, as higher fuel costs can drive up the prices of goods and services. The situation reflects ongoing supply disruptions and global market factors that are putting upward pressure on energy prices.

The details

According to the GasBuddy survey, the cheapest gas station in Columbus was priced at $3.49 per gallon, while the most expensive was $3.99, a 50-cent difference. Statewide, prices ranged from $3.08 to $5.49 per gallon, a $2.41 gap. GasBuddy attributes the price hikes to seasonal factors and continued supply concerns, particularly related to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

  • As of March 23, 2026, the average gas price in Columbus was $3.74 per gallon.
  • Prices in Columbus are 84 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 59.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

The players

GasBuddy

A PDI Technologies company and North America's trusted fuel savings platform, helping consumers find the best gas prices for over 25 years.

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

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What they’re saying

“Gas prices continued to rise nationwide over the last week as seasonal factors, combined with ongoing supply concerns tied to the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, pushed both gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis

What’s next

The situation remains fluid, and further price increases are possible if supply disruptions and global market factors persist.

The takeaway

The surge in gas and diesel prices is squeezing household budgets and raising concerns about the broader economic impact, underscoring the need for consumers to closely monitor fuel costs and explore ways to reduce their energy consumption.