Columbus gas prices climb toward $3 per gallon as seasonal refinery changes begin in February

Prices in Columbus move higher after early-year lows

Gasoline prices in Columbus are rising again and edging closer to the $3-per-gallon mark, following a stretch of early January pricing that sat near multi-year lows for the region. The uptick aligns with a broader February pattern across the Midwest, where pump prices have been fluctuating near the upper-$2 range but have shown short-term volatility from week to week.

Statewide figures illustrate the shift. Ohio’s average regular gasoline price reached $2.74 per gallon on Monday, up from $2.69 the prior week. Over the last year, Ohio’s statewide average ranged from a low near $2.53 in late December 2025 to a high near $3.41 in late August 2025, placing current prices below last year’s levels while still trending upward from the winter trough.

How Columbus compares with national and regional benchmarks

Nationally, regular gasoline has remained under $3 per gallon for an extended period this winter. The U.S. average has hovered around $2.90 per gallon in February, underscoring the contrast between current conditions and the 2022 price spike, while also highlighting the role of regional differences that can push some markets higher than others.

• U.S. average: About $2.90 per gallon in February, after a multi-week period under $3.

• Midwest average: Around the mid-$2.60s to upper-$2.60s in late January and early February, based on weekly federal fuel-price tracking.

• Ohio statewide average: $2.74 per gallon on Feb. 9, 2026 (up 5 cents week over week).

Key drivers behind the late-winter increase

Several factors typically contribute to higher prices as winter gives way to spring. One recurring element is the seasonal transition in refinery operations, when facilities begin shifting from winter-grade gasoline to summer-blend production. That change can tighten supply or raise production and distribution costs temporarily, even when overall demand is muted by winter weather.

Recent winter storms also affected driving patterns and fuel logistics in parts of the country. At the same time, weekly federal market data has shown gasoline demand declining in early February, while overall inventories were relatively steady and production eased, a combination that can still translate into local price increases depending on distribution conditions and retail competition.

Fuel prices often start “nudging higher” in February as refineries begin seasonal transitions ahead of spring.

What to watch next for Columbus-area drivers

With March approaching, motorists in Columbus will be watching whether prices stabilize below $3 or continue climbing as seasonal refinery adjustments progress. Short-term moves can be amplified locally by station-to-station competition, delivery schedules, and regional wholesale pricing. Longer-term direction will depend on how supply and demand balance nationally and across the Midwest as winter ends and travel gradually increases.