Updated April 5, 2026 — Prices updated regularly from EIA data
$3.00
Average Regular Unleaded — Des Moines, Iowa
Current Gas Prices in Des Moines
Today in Des Moines, Iowa, regular gas is averaging $$3.00 per gallon. Prices across the metro vary by as much as 20-30 cents, so using a price comparison app before every fill-up pays off.
Fuel Type
Price / Gallon
Grade
Trend
Regular Unleaded
$3.00
87 octane
▲ Rising
Mid-Grade
$3.47
89 octane
▲ Rising
Premium
$3.75
91-93 octane
▲ Rising
Diesel
$4.06
N/A
▲ Rising
Price Comparison
Des Moines Average
$3.00
Regular Unleaded
Iowa State Average
$2.88
$0.12 above the Iowa average
National Average
$3.99
$0.99 below the national average
About Gas Prices in Des Moines
Local Des Moines drivers have learned key strategies for minimizing fuel costs. Fill up on Mondays or Tuesdays when prices are typically at their weekly low. Avoid stations within a mile of highway exits — the convenience markup adds real cost. Loyalty apps from major brands can save 5-10 cents per gallon with minimal effort.
Gas Prices by Brand in This City
Estimated prices based on brand modifiers. Sorted cheapest to most expensive.
Costco and Sam's Club fuel stations serve many major metropolitan areas and offer the lowest prices for members — typically 15-25 cents below local market. Membership costs $65-130/year but typically pays for itself in fuel savings alone for regular drivers.
Gas price spikes in Des Moines are typically triggered by regional supply disruptions, pipeline outages, refinery maintenance, seasonal blend transitions, and global crude oil price increases. Holiday demand surges around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day also push prices up temporarily.
Premium gas in Des Moines is worth the extra cost only if your vehicle requires it. If your owner's manual says Required, always use premium. If it says Recommended, you may use regular with minimal performance loss. Never use regular in a vehicle that requires premium.
Costco offers the cheapest gas wherever it operates in the Des Moines area. Among street stations, Circle K, Speedway, and Wawa (in applicable markets) consistently offer below-average prices. Shell, Chevron, and BP typically price above the local average.
At today's Des Moines average of $$3.00 per gallon, a standard 13-gallon sedan tank costs ${fillCost} to fill. A larger 20-gallon SUV or truck tank runs ${truckFill}. Choosing the cheapest local station can save $3-5 on each fill-up.