Fort Wayne, Ind. – Local gasoline prices ticked up this week, and the city is preparing for higher fuel costs for its own vehicles. According to data from GasBuddy, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Fort Wayne is $3.41, an 8‑cent increase from the previous week.
While the price is still about 7 cents lower than a month ago, it remains 34.2 cents higher than the same time last year. Prices at the 201 stations surveyed ranged from $3.04 to $3.71 per gallon, a spread of 67 cents.
National context
The national average rose to $4.09 per gallon, up 2.2 cents over the past week and 10.6 cents over the past month. Compared with a year ago, the national average is nearly 91 cents higher.
Diesel prices have climbed even faster. The national diesel average is now $5.87 per gallon, up almost 30 cents from a week ago. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan warned that diesel could reach $6 per gallon in the coming weeks if disruptions to Russian refining capacity persist.
City council proposals
Fort Wayne City Council is set to consider new fuel‑price proposals on Tuesday. The measures would establish a city‑wide gasoline price of $3.00 per gallon for 2027 – a 30‑cent increase over the current rate – and a diesel price of $3.99 per gallon, an 82‑cent rise.
Under the proposals, the city would purchase its gasoline and diesel from 31 Lassus gas stations through negotiated agreements. These rates would affect the cost of fueling the municipal fleet, not the price paid by private drivers at the pump.
At present, Fort Wayne’s average pump price is about 41 cents higher than the proposed $3.00 city gasoline rate.
Regional comparison
Nearby markets show similar pressures. GasBuddy reports Toledo averaging $3.91 per gallon, Kalamazoo at $3.94, and South Bend at $3.41.
Fort Wayne’s fuel prices have fluctuated over the past five years. On Sept. 8, 2021, the local average was $3.13 per gallon; it peaked at $3.86 in 2022, fell to $3.72 in 2023, $3.27 in 2024, and was $3.07 last year.
The national average set a new Labor Day record this year, surpassing the previous holiday high of $3.83 set in 2012.
What this means for residents
While the council’s proposals target municipal expenses, the broader trend of rising fuel costs affects families and businesses across the city. Higher operating costs for city vehicles could translate into modest adjustments to public‑service fees or budgeting priorities.
City officials have emphasized that the proposals are intended to ensure reliable fuel supply for essential services while responding to market realities.
Residents who rely on personal vehicles will continue to see market‑driven prices at the pump, but the council’s discussion underscores the importance of monitoring energy costs as part of responsible local governance.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
