Grand Rapids Gas Prices Rise Over A Dollar In Two Weeks, Highest Since 2024

My "old person" habit is that I am a chronic gas price analyzer. I am constantly looking at and comparing gas prices around town, and will be the first one to say, "Wow, gas is only ___ there, I got it for ___! 😡" I'm cheap, ok? Much like the stock market, I have only a vague idea of what makes the numbers go up and down.

But things have gotten a bit clearer now that gas has risen over $1 in just over two weeks, currently at $3.99/gal in downtown Grand Rapids. It is one cent away from breaking the $4/gal mark, a mark not reached since 2024.

The increase in gas prices has been directly correlated with the Trump Administration's surprise war on Iran, one of the biggest oil distributors in the world. In response, Iran has halted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with ramifications around the globe.

Gas Prices In Grand Rapids, March 17th, 2026

Grand Rapids gas prices for most of 2025 were all over the place, reaching as high as $3.47 and dropping to $2.47, but spending much of the year between $3.33 and $3.05, according to Gas Buddy. 2026 was off to a good start, with prices starting at $2.49 and hovering between $2.90 and $3.00.

READ MORE: Why Meijer Paid $7 Million To Move A Gas Station 300 Feet

As of March 17th, the US average gas price per gallon is $3.79, according to AAA, with Michigan's average at $3.75. Kent County's gas prices average $3.82, which is $0.14 above Michigan's average.

Gas prices per gallon jumped from ~$2.80 to $3.99 after the Iran "operation" began on February 28th. It's the most expensive gas Grand Rapids has paid for since 2024, when gas was just below $4.00. Prices are rising as markets and distributors react to the war.

How War Affects Oil Prices

The last time prices soared to over $5 was in 2022 because of another global conflict, Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia, one of the world's top oil producers, saw many sanctions placed on it following the invasion, which sent oil prices skyrocketing. Now, with Iran restricting US ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prices could reach all-time highs.

While the Trump administration has said the Iran "operation" will last a few weeks, many believe otherwise. It'd be smart to fill up now before things get even pricier.