Drivers across the South Bend area are seeing sticker shock at the pump, with some gas stations now charging as much as $4.99 per gallon, marking a sharp jump above the current regional average.

The spike reflects a broader upward trend in fuel costs across Indiana and the Midwest. Since Monday, prices in parts of Michiana were hovering around $4.19 per gallon, already considered high at the time.  

Industry analysts point to a combination of global and regional factors driving the increase. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted oil supplies, pushing crude prices higher. At the same time, refinery outages in the Midwest — including issues at major facilities in neighboring states — have tightened gasoline supply, adding further pressure on prices.  

Those factors are being felt locally, where prices can vary widely from station to station. Tools like Indiana’s newly launched “IN Fuel Watch” are now helping drivers compare prices in real time as they search for cheaper options.  

Despite the current spike, experts say prices could continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks, depending on global oil markets and refinery output. In the meantime, motorists are encouraged to shop around, as some stations in the area are still offering lower prices than the highest-end $4.99 mark.