US Gas Prices Soar Past USD 4 a Gallon, Highest Since 2022 Amid Iran Conflict

US gas prices have surged past USD 4 (≈ ₹332) per gallon for the first time since 2022, as the ongoing conflict in Iran pushes fuel costs higher worldwide. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) , the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now USD 4.02 per gallon , over a dollar higher than before the war began. The last time US drivers faced such high prices was nearly four years ago, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prices vary by state due to supply differences and tax rates, with some drivers already paying well above USD 4 per gallon .

Since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28 , crude oil prices, the main component of gasoline, have spiked amid supply chain disruptions and production cuts across the Middle East. Globally, motorists are also coping with higher fuel costs; in Paris , gas is priced at 2.34 euros per litre (USD 10.27 per gallon). Rising gas prices are straining households already facing wider cost-of-living pressures , as higher fuel costs push up expenses for utilities, groceries, and other goods . Businesses, including the US Postal Service , are seeking temporary surcharges to offset increased transportation costs. Diesel, used by freight and delivery trucks, has jumped to USD 5.45 per gallon from about USD 3.76 pre-war.

If the conflict continues, prices could rise further. Most tanker movement in the Strait of Hormuz , through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil typically flows, remains halted. Iran, Israel, and the US have all targeted oil and gas facilities , worsening supply concerns. In response, the International Energy Agency pledged to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves, including the US, while sanctions on Venezuela and temporarily Russia have been eased and Jones Act shipping requirements waived for 60 days. However, relief may take time, as refineries often buy crude in advance, and the shift to more expensive summer blend fuel adds to costs.

Although the US is a net oil exporter, refineries on the East and West coasts rely on heavier crude imports, making the country vulnerable to global price shocks . The last time US gas prices were this high, in June 2022 , they had climbed past USD 5 per gallon following the Ukraine war. With crude oil prices remaining elevated due to geopolitical tensions, consumers can expect continued pressure at the pump.