Gas Prices Expected to Spike Amid Strait of Hormuz Blockade

Experts warn of rising costs at the pump as U.S. enforces blockade of Iranian ports

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A geometric abstract illustration composed of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the volatility and uncertainty in global energy markets caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.The blockade of a critical global shipping chokepoint threatens to send gas prices soaring, with far-reaching economic consequences.San Diego Today

The average price of gasoline in San Diego County has been declining in recent days, but experts predict a sharp spike in prices after the Trump administration moved to blockade Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. The national average price has also been dropping slightly, but is still significantly higher than a year ago due to the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Why it matters

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint, is expected to severely disrupt oil supplies and lead to a spike in gas prices across the United States. This will impact consumers, businesses, and the overall economy as the cost of transportation and goods rises.

The details

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in San Diego County dropped four-tenths of a cent on Tuesday to $5.907, continuing a six-day decline. However, experts warn that prices are likely to jump again this week due to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. The national average price also fell slightly but remains 44.3 cents more than a month ago and 93.4 cents higher than a year ago.

  • The average price in San Diego County has dropped for six consecutive days.
  • The U.S. military claimed on Tuesday that it has successfully begun enforcing the blockade of Iranian ports.
  • The blockade was announced by the Trump administration on February 28, sending oil prices higher and accelerating increases at the gas pump.

The players

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who ordered the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, a company that provides real-time gas price information.

U.S. Central Command

The U.S. military command responsible for enforcing the blockade of Iranian ports.

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What they’re saying

“Average gasoline prices surged for many Americans through the first half of last week before easing in some areas after oil prices slipped following President (Donald) Trump's announcement of a cease fire. However, with a breakdown in talks and renewed escalation over the weekend, motorists should prepare for another round of price increases.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy

“The move toward a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is compounding global supply concerns and risks further disrupting flows, which pushed oil prices sharply higher in Sunday night trading. As a result, gasoline prices are likely to jump again this week ... until there is a meaningful restoration of shipping through the strait.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy

What’s next

The U.S. military has claimed it has successfully begun enforcing the blockade of Iranian ports, but it remains to be seen how long the blockade will last and what further diplomatic efforts may be made to resolve the tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

The takeaway

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by the U.S. military is expected to severely disrupt global oil supplies and lead to a sharp spike in gas prices across the country, further straining consumers and businesses already dealing with high inflation.