U.S. Gas Prices Surge to $3.47 Per Gallon Amid Middle East Turmoil

Tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran push crude oil prices higher and raise concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Gas prices across the United States have jumped approximately 17% in the past two weeks, with the national average now sitting at $3.47 per gallon. Experts attribute the spike to growing instability in the Middle East, which has pushed crude oil prices higher and raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply. While Louisiana drivers are currently paying just over $3 per gallon, some fear prices could reach $4 if the situation overseas continues.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices can significantly impact household budgets, especially for those with long commutes or who rely on driving for their livelihoods. The situation also highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. energy market to geopolitical tensions and the need to explore more sustainable and resilient energy solutions.

The details

According to AAA, the national average price for gasoline has jumped roughly 17% in the past two weeks, reaching around $3.47 per gallon. Experts say the spike is tied to growing instability involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which has pushed crude oil prices higher and raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply. Early Monday, Brent crude oil briefly surged to nearly $120 per barrel, its highest level since 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Prices later eased closer to $100 per barrel after reports that G7 nations could release emergency oil reserves to help stabilize global supply.

  • On March 10, 2026, the national average gas price reached $3.47 per gallon.
  • In the past two weeks, gas prices have jumped approximately 17%.

The players

AAA

A non-profit organization that provides automotive and travel services, including monitoring and reporting on gas prices.

Don Redman

A spokesperson for AAA who commented on the current gas price situation and its potential impact.

Justin Henderson

A Shreveport resident who expressed concern about the rising gas prices and their impact on his budget.

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What they’re saying

“It's still a very fluid situation in Iran, but consumers are seeing those impacts almost immediately.”

— Don Redman, Spokesperson, AAA (cenlanow.com)

“It's going to be rough. It's not easy out here already, you know, without having gas prices go up. They were good for about a year. We've been having $2.50 gas and all of a sudden $4, so it's going to take its toll for sure.”

— Justin Henderson (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

Experts say that if tensions in the Middle East continue, gas prices could potentially reach $4 per gallon, especially as demand typically increases during the summer travel season.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices due to Middle East turmoil highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. energy market to geopolitical tensions and the need to explore more sustainable and resilient energy solutions to insulate consumers from such price fluctuations.