Wisconsin Gas Prices Rise to $3.96 Average Per Gallon

Gasoline prices in Wisconsin reached an average of $3.96 per gallon as of April 29, 2026, marking a 27-cent increase from the previous week. This surge is part of a broader trend across the Midwest, coinciding with a national average price of $4.23 per gallon, which rose 21 cents over the same period.

According to AAA, national prices have reached a four-year high. In Wisconsin, the price increases have been particularly acute in certain regions, with some areas already seeing costs exceed $4 per gallon.

Regional Price Fluctuations

In Green and Dane counties, several gas stations have reported prices surpassing the $4 mark. In Belleville, a station managed by Troy Slayback for the Francois Oil Company recorded prices at $4.29 per gallon.

Milwaukee has also experienced significant volatility. At a station located at 60th and Burleigh, a manager reported that prices increased by 50 cents since April 27, 2026. On April 29, 2026, the manager noted that prices had risen by 30 cents in a single day.

While some locations have seen sharper spikes, others have remained lower. The Gas Depot at 27th and Burleigh in Milwaukee maintained lower prices leading up to April 30, 2026, though those prices were expected to increase on that date.

Drivers of the Price Surge

Industry experts attribute the current price spikes to a combination of infrastructure failures and geopolitical instability. A power outage at the largest oil refinery in the Midwest, located in Indiana, has disrupted the supply chain, contributing to the increased costs at the pump.

Global tensions have further exacerbated the situation. Experts noted that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is currently not in sight, which continues to put upward pressure on oil prices.

Nick Jarmusz of AAA stated that it is likely Wisconsin will see statewide prices exceed $4 per gallon soon. Jarmusz noted that transportation costs to rural areas often cause prices to rise more quickly in those locations compared to urban centers.

Impact on Consumers and Business Owners

Station owners have reported facing significant frustration from customers as they are forced to raise prices to cover increasing wholesale costs. Janice Mohammed, an owner who has operated a station for 30 years, described the current volatility as Very bad. Very up and down. Most of the time it’s up, not down. A lot of headache going on with the price….

In Belleville, Troy Slayback observed a wide range of reactions from drivers. While some customers viewed the increases as routine, others expressed concern over how high prices would climb, citing various rumors about future hikes.

Historical Context

Despite the current surge, Wisconsin’s average price of $3.96 remains below the state’s record high. In 2022, Wisconsin saw a record average price of $4.96 per gallon.

Experts advise drivers to expect continued price hikes in the coming days as the refinery issues in Indiana and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.