Chicago Gas Prices Soar Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure

Experts warn prices could reach $6 per gallon if the key oil chokepoint remains shut.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:36am

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A geometric abstract illustration featuring bold shapes in shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the surging fuel costs impacting the Chicago area.As the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Chicago drivers face skyrocketing gas prices that could have far-reaching economic consequences.Chicago Today

Chicago drivers are feeling the pain at the pump as gas prices in the region have soared in recent weeks due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping chokepoint. Experts warn that prices could climb to over $5 per gallon and potentially reach as high as $6 if the situation is not resolved soon, forcing many commuters to change their driving habits and seek out cheaper gas across state lines.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz closure is having a major ripple effect on the U.S. fuel supply, with Chicago being hit particularly hard due to its reliance on imported oil. Rising gas prices not only impact individual drivers, but also have the potential to drive up the costs of other essential goods and services across the economy.

The details

U.S. gas prices have been soaring since the start of the Iran War more than a month ago, with the national average price for a gallon of gas climbing above $4.00 for the first time since 2022. In the Chicago region, prices have jumped even higher, with the average now at $4.57 per gallon - up 14 cents in just the last week. Some stations in the city and suburbs have already reached prices as high as $4.69 per gallon, and experts warn that $5.00 and even $6.00 per gallon are distinct possibilities if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

  • The national average gas price has climbed above $4.00 per gallon since the start of the Iran War over a month ago.
  • Chicago gas prices have jumped 14 cents in the last week, reaching an average of $4.57 per gallon.
  • Some Chicago-area gas stations have already reached prices as high as $4.69 per gallon.

The players

Charlene Chamberlain

A Chicago driver who has been going to Indiana to fill up because gas is cheaper there.

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, who has provided expert commentary on the rising gas prices.

Juan Morales

A Chicago driver who expressed frustration at the high gas prices.

GasBuddy

An online platform that provides real-time data and analysis on gas prices across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“I've been going to Indiana because my father is sick so their gas is cheaper than Chicago, so I get gas out there and come back.”

— Charlene Chamberlain, Chicago driver

“Certainly $5.00 is a possibility in the weeks ahead; $6.00 is not impossibility. It really is just contingent on how long the strait remains closed.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of petroleum analysis, GasBuddy

“The gasoline is really expensive right now.”

— Juan Morales, Chicago driver

What’s next

Experts say that even if the Iran War is resolved soon, it will take time for gas prices to come back down, meaning they could continue to impact summer travel plans for many Chicago-area residents.

The takeaway

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had a significant impact on fuel costs in the Chicago region, forcing drivers to change their habits and potentially leading to broader economic ripple effects. This highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. fuel supply to geopolitical disruptions and the need for greater energy independence and resilience.