Gas Prices Surge 38 Cents Nationwide Amid Iran Conflict Stalemate
Americans face the steepest gas price spike in months as conflict in Iran keeps a crucial oil shipping route closed.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gas prices jumped dramatically across the United States over the past week, with the nationwide average for regular gasoline climbing 38 cents to reach $4.46 per gallon, according to data from GasBuddy released Monday.
The sharp increase reflects ongoing tensions from the Iran conflict and a stalemate over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway where one-fifth of the world’s petroleum passed through before the current war began. AAA reported diesel prices have reached $5.64 per gallon nationwide.
Regional Impact Varies Across States
“Gasoline prices rose in every state over the last week, with some of the most significant and fastest increases concentrated in the Great Lakes, where states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois saw sharp spikes, while Wisconsin experienced more modest gains,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
Diesel prices have reached record highs in some areas of the Great Lakes region. “At the same time, diesel prices surged to new records in parts of the region, with some areas touching the $6-per-gallon mark,” De Haan added.
Multiple Factors Drive Price Increases
De Haan identified refinery outages as a primary driver of the price surge, though he noted that Middle East oil output and President Donald Trump’s plan to free oil tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf could provide some relief.
“However, with so many moving pieces, the outlook remains highly fluid, and while some localized relief may emerge, broader price volatility is likely to persist in the near term,” De Haan said.
Political Implications Mount
The rising fuel costs come as Trump faces declining approval ratings on economic issues. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll published Sunday showed that about two-thirds of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while 66% disapprove of the president’s handling of the Iran war.
Trump’s overall disapproval rating reached 62% in the survey, marking the highest level recorded since he first took office in 2017.
The current gas prices represent a significant increase from recent months. The nationwide average for regular gasoline stood at $4.10 one month ago and was $3.16 at this time last year, according to GasBuddy data.
