Gas Prices in Des Moines

Gas prices near Des Moines, IA are updated weekly. Prices in Des Moines generally track the Iowa statewide average. Browse our station finder for the most current local prices.

The cheapest gas in Des Moines is typically found at warehouse club stations (Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's) and grocery store fuel centers. These membership-based stations often price 5–15 cents below branded stations like Shell, Chevron, and BP. Stations along major commuter corridors tend to compete aggressively on price.

In Des Moines, Monday and Tuesday mornings are historically the cheapest times to fill up, before stations adjust prices heading into the weekend. Prices typically peak on Thursday through Saturday when weekend demand rises. Avoiding the Friday afternoon rush can save you 3–8 cents per gallon.

Gas prices in Des Moines tend to track closely with the Iowa statewide average, though urban stations with higher real estate costs may price slightly higher than suburban or rural stations. Larger metros with many competing stations often see sharper price cuts when crude prices fall.

Fuel requirements in Des Moines depend on EPA clean air designations for Iowa. Metro areas with air quality concerns may require reformulated gasoline (RFG), which burns cleaner but costs slightly more. Check the EPA's RFG areas page for Des Moines's current status.