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Novi Today
By the People, for the People
National Gas Prices Surge Past $4 Per Gallon
Highest average since 2022 as Iran war disrupts global oil supply
Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:57pm
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The soaring cost of gasoline ripples through the economy, forcing many households to make difficult spending tradeoffs.Novi TodayThe national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. has surpassed $4, the highest level since 2022, as the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran disrupts global oil supply and drives up crude prices worldwide. The price spike is impacting consumers and businesses, with concerns it could further fuel inflation.
Why it matters
Higher gas prices put a strain on household budgets, forcing many Americans to cut spending in other areas. This could have broader economic consequences, as increased transportation and energy costs get passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services.
The details
According to motor club AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now $4.02, over a dollar more than before the war began. The last time U.S. drivers paid this much at the pump was in 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Prices vary by state, with California seeing the highest average at nearly $5.89 per gallon, while Oklahoma has the lowest at around $3.27. The price spike is driven by a surge in crude oil costs, as the conflict has caused supply chain disruptions and production cuts from major Middle Eastern producers.
- The national average gas price topped $4 per gallon on March 31, 2026.
- The last time U.S. gas prices reached this level was in 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The players
AAA
A motor club that tracks and reports on national average gas prices.
Donald Trump
The former U.S. president who had previously bragged about keeping gas prices low.
What they’re saying
“I think it's outrageous.”
— Kelly Gravlin
“We're in a war that we shouldn't be in that's, therefore, hiking up our prices.”
— Kelly Gravlin
“I had to cut back on some of my streaming services at home, so the kids are a little upset about that. I had to change which grocery stores I buy my fruits and veggies at. And then, I'm not buying stuff for myself — sneakers and clothes and all that other stuff — because I have to maintain for the household.”
— Danielle Ervin
What’s next
Analysts say gas prices could climb even higher if the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint, remains blocked for an extended period, potentially reaching $4.50 per gallon or even approaching the record $5 mark hit in 2022.
The takeaway
The surge in gas prices is squeezing household budgets and threatening to drive up broader inflation, underscoring the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Consumers are being forced to make difficult spending tradeoffs as a result.
