Gas Prices Surge 54 Cents in One Week Amid Middle East Conflict

AAA reports national average now at highest level since 2024 as crude oil prices top $100 per barrel

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gas prices in the Cleveland area have surged 60 cents per gallon in the past week, including a 54-cent jump, reaching an average of $3.43 per gallon, according to AAA. Nationally, the average price stands at $3.47 per gallon, the highest since the summer of 2024. AAA cites the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the primary driver, causing crude oil prices to rise above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices have a significant impact on consumer budgets and the broader economy, as fuel costs affect the prices of goods and services across many industries. The conflict in the Middle East is a major geopolitical event that can significantly disrupt global energy markets and supplies.

The details

AAA reports that the price of crude oil, which accounts for 50-60% of the cost of a gallon of gasoline, has surged due to the conflict in the Middle East. This has led to a rapid increase in gas prices both nationally and in the Cleveland area. However, AAA also notes that gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.73 million barrels per day to 8.29 million, citing data from the Energy Information Administration.

  • On March 9, 2026, AAA reported the average gas price in the Cleveland metro area was $3.43 per gallon.
  • In the last week, gas prices in the Cleveland area have increased by 54 cents per gallon.
  • A year ago, the average price was $2.92 per gallon in Greater Cleveland.

The players

AAA

A nonprofit federation of motor clubs that provides travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Analysts will continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East and its impact on global crude oil prices, which will in turn affect gas prices for consumers in the coming weeks and months.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices due to the conflict in the Middle East highlights the vulnerability of consumers to geopolitical events that disrupt global energy markets. This underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and investing in alternative fuel technologies to reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel prices.