Gas Prices in Ohio
Gas prices in Ohio are well below the national average right now, but they rarely sit still for long. In the week of Oct. 12, 2026, regular averaged $3.87 a gallon in the EIA’s survey, about 46 cents under the U.S. average, even after rising about 4 cents while most of the country got cheaper. Compared with a year earlier, Ohio drivers are paying about $1.15 more. Here’s why Ohio prices jump around, how the state compares with its neighbors, and how to time a fill-up.
Prices: EIA weekly data, updated automatically · By Nathan Brooks · Reviewed Oct. 15, 2026
Regular: EIA state average; diesel: EIA Midwest regional average for the week of Sept. 21, 2026.
What drives gas prices in Ohio
- Midwest refinery outages. Ohio gets most of its gas from refineries in the Midwest, including some in Ohio itself. When a big plant goes down for repairs, prices can jump 20¢ or more in a week, then fall back. Those spikes usually fade, so they’re rarely a reason to panic-buy.
- Price cycles. Stations in many Ohio cities raise prices sharply on one day and then let them drift down for several days. It’s a pattern you can use: once you notice the cycle in your area, timing your fill-up can save real money. Best day to buy gas.
- A flat state tax. Ohio’s tax is 38.5¢ a gallon and doesn’t rise automatically with inflation, so it isn’t the reason prices move week to week.
Ohio vs. neighboring states
| State | Regular (this week) | State gas tax | Tax vs. Ohio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $4.48 | 38.5¢ | — |
| Pennsylvania | $4.44 | 58.7¢ | +20.2¢ |
| Michigan | $4.39 | 53.4¢ | +14.9¢ |
| Indiana | $4.39 | 63.1¢ | +24.6¢ |
| Kentucky | $4.39 | 26.4¢ | −12.1¢ |
| West Virginia | $4.16 | 35.7¢ | −2.8¢ |
Prices: EIA weekly averages. States without their own EIA average show their region’s average (Pennsylvania uses the Central Atlantic average; Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky use the Midwest average; West Virginia uses the Lower Atlantic average), so real border differences can be bigger or smaller. Taxes: Tax Foundation, July 1, 2026 (state taxes and fees, excluding the 18.4¢ federal tax).
How to stay ahead of Ohio’s price cycles
The small rise in the week of Oct. 12 is typical Ohio: prices here tend to move in short jumps rather than smooth lines. Cleveland averaged $3.85, close to the state figure. At these levels, Ohio is one of the better places in the country to fill up, so the goal isn’t to escape high prices but to avoid buying right after a spike.
My approach would be simple. Watch the stations on your usual route for a couple of weeks, learn the day prices tend to jump, and fill up before it. Then use Kroger fuel points or a GetGo or Meijer program if you already shop there. Those two habits together are worth more than chasing the cheapest station in town. — Nathan Brooks
What to watch next
Midwest refinery news. An outage at a regional refinery is one of the most common reasons for a sudden jump in Ohio, so it’s worth noticing when one makes local news.
Best ways to save on gas in Ohio
- Kroger fuel points. Kroger is based in Cincinnati and has stores and fuel centers across Ohio (100 points = 10¢ off per gallon). For a lot of Ohio households, this is the easiest discount available. How Kroger points work.
- Giant Eagle myPerks at GetGo in northeast and central Ohio. Giant Eagle has run extra fuel-discount weekends in 2026, which are the best times to redeem.
- Meijer fuel promotions for mPerks members in western and northern Ohio. Worth checking the app before a fill-up.
- Watch the price cycle. Fill up near the end of a slow decline, before the next spike.
- Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s in the larger metros, often among the cheapest pumps nearby. Club gas guide.
Programs and terms are set by each company and can change. Check the official site or app before you sign up.
Propane in Ohio
Ohio is one of the few states where home propane barely changed from last year. It opened the EIA’s heating season survey at $2.57 a gallon (Oct. 5, 2026), versus $2.54 last October, and about 3 cents below the U.S. average of $2.60. Last winter averaged $2.58. That stability is good news for budgeting: last year’s heating bill is a reasonable guide for this year, as long as your usage is similar. Compare states on our propane prices by state table.
- Grill and RV tanks: where to refill propane and exchange vs. refill.
- Home tanks: tank sizes and how long a tank lasts, and a fill-up cost calculator.
- Help with heating bills: Ohio HEAP (Ohio Department of Development) can help eligible households pay for heating fuel, including propane.
Quick answers
Why do Ohio gas prices change so fast?
Ohio relies on Midwest refineries, and many Ohio cities have “price cycles,” where stations raise prices all at once and then slowly lower them.
What is Ohio’s gas tax?
38.5¢ a gallon in state tax (July 1, 2026, Tax Foundation), plus the 18.4¢ federal tax.
Which grocery stores give gas discounts in Ohio?
Kroger and Giant Eagle (through GetGo) have the biggest programs, and Meijer runs fuel promotions for mPerks members.
Keep saving
Sources
EIA Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update · Tax Foundation: state gas tax rates (July 1, 2026) · EIA weekly residential propane prices · Giant Eagle myPerks · Ohio HEAP (Ohio Department of Development)
FuelPriceScout is an independent information site. We don’t sell fuel and we’re not affiliated with any gas station, retailer or rewards program mentioned here. Prices are averages from public sources and are not what a specific station charges; program terms can change, so always check the official site before you sign up. How we get our data.