Why Filling Up in Grand Junction Suddenly Costs More

Filling up the gas tank in Western Colorado stings a bit more than usual this week, as prices have climbed to over $3.50 in Grand Junction. Some gas stations in town increased to $3.69 on Tuesday, March 10.

We decided to go check out a few gas stations in Fruita, Grand Junction, Clifton, and Palisade. Scroll through the gallery below to see how high the prices went as we traveled across the Grand Valley.

LOOK: March Gas Prices Spike in Western Colorado

Drivers across Grand Junction and the Western Slope are seeing a noticeable jump in fuel costs — and the change happened fast. In just about a week, Mesa County’s average gas price surged more than 37 cents per gallon, according to AAA.

We hit the streets to see for ourselves. Continue scrolling to see what the price of gas looked like at a few select gas stations from Fruita to Palisade on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Get our free mobile app

Gas Prices in Grand Junction Jumped More Than 37¢ in Just One Week

Ronira

I can’t remember the last time the price of gas rose so fast. Mesa County drivers watch the price of gas rise from about $2.89 to around $3.59 or higher in barely a week. As global prices increased sharply, distributors adjusted their prices to match. On March 9, KKCO reported a figure from AAA, indicating a 37-cent increase per gallon in Mesa County. The gallery of prices we just looked at was from March 10. For those stations charging $3.69, that’s more like a 70 to 80-cent increase.

Why Gas Prices Are Rising — And When They Usually Peak in Colorado

Experts say gas prices are being pushed higher from several different directions this week. Spring maintenance at refineries is poorly timed. The switch to summer-blend gasoline is right around the corner, and that usually adds 10 to 15 cents per gallon. Rising travel demands, starting with spring break and then the summer driving season, typically increase the price throughout March and April.

What Grand Junction Drivers Can Do to Save Money on Gas

joshuaraineyphotography

There is nothing a Western Slope resident can do about the global oil markets, but there are a few ways you can squeeze a few extra miles out of your gas tank while the price trickles back down (it’s already started). First, check those tires. Proper inflation stretches your gas mileage. Try not to drive aggressively while upset about gas prices, because that uses up your gas faster. Forget unnecessary trips. Fuel-tracking apps like Gas Buddy and checking gasprices.aaa.com can also help you save.

KEEP GOING: See the Top 25 Safest Car Brands in Colorado

With all the vehicles on the highway in Colorado, have you ever wondered how your car ranks for safety compared to everyone else? Keep going to see the 25 safest car brands on the market in Colorado, and how often these brands are involved in fatal crashes.

Colorado's safest cars are ranked using data from National Highway Safety Administration Data from 2011 to 2020.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

PHOTOS: Drive the Scenic River Route to Moab, Utah

If you are planning to head to Moab from Grand Junction, Colorado, leave I-70 in your rearview, and turn south onto SH 128 near Cisco, Utah. The next 50 miles are packed with some of the prettiest scenery anywhere for enjoying the Colorado River, and the nearby La Sal Mountains.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams