US Gas Prices Just Hit $4 a Gallon for the First Time Since 2022 — Here is What Is Driving It
Americans are now paying an average of $4.02 per gallon for regular gasoline — the highest since August 2022 — as the Iran war continues to choke global energy supplies.
The price has jumped more than $1 per gallon since the conflict began on February 28, according to AAA data.
The Numbers
- Gas (regular): $4.02/gallon — up from $2.98 before the war
- Diesel: $5.45/gallon — up from $3.76 before the war
- Still below 2022 records: Gas peaked at $5.01 and diesel at $5.81 in June 2022
- UK impact: Petrol up 14%, diesel up 27% since the war began
Why Prices Are Spiking
The core issue is the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed for the past month. This narrow waterway handles roughly 20% of the world oil supply. With shipping disrupted, crude oil production and transportation across the Middle East has slowed to a crawl.
Spring break demand is adding further pressure on top of the supply shock.
What This Means for Your Wallet
- If you drive daily: A typical 15-gallon fill-up now costs about $60, up from $45 before the war — roughly $15 more per tank
- If you commute: Budget an extra $60-80/month for fuel if prices stay at current levels
- Everything else gets more expensive too: Higher fuel costs push up food prices, delivery fees, and goods that travel by truck or ship
Ways to Save
- Use gas price comparison apps (GasBuddy, Waze) to find cheaper stations
- Combine errands into single trips to reduce total miles driven
- Consider carpooling or public transit for regular commutes
- Check if your credit card offers elevated cashback on gas purchases
- Keep tires properly inflated — under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%
Prices could climb further if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. Analysts warn that a prolonged closure could push gas toward — or past — the 2022 record of $5.01.
