2013 Fuel Cost: Gas Prices Soaring in West Des Moines

Is it time to find a new mode of transportation?

New reports show that gas prices are expected to keep climbing into April, which is an earlier price surge than normal.

In Iowa, gas prices have already climbed 59 cents from January, according to KWWL, citing AAA fuel reports. The average now is $3.71 a gallon for regular and $3.63 a gallon for the mid-range with ethanol.

USA Today reports that gas prices are supposed to keep climbing 5 cents a week into early April, or 20 to 50 cents. Iowa is still below the national average of $3.75 a gallon for regular.

Here's the from the AAA Fuel Gauge Report on gas prices in the Des Moines metro:

Here's some other averages in the region from the KWWL report:

In South Dakota, the average for a gallon of regular is $3.57. Mid-range $3.53 a gallon. And premium $3.76 a gallon.

And in Nebraska, regular is $3.72 a gallon. Mid-range $3.66 a gallon. And premium $3.91 a gallon.

And, for Iowa drivers, things could be getting worse if a legislative proposal passes that up the state’s motor fuel tax by 10 cents a gallon to repair Iowa’s system of roads and bridge.

Surprise, surprise, most Iowans are not in favor of increasing the gas tax, according to a Des Moines Register poll.