Gas Prices Jump 27 Cents Since Sunday Across US

Conflict in Iran and summer fuel blends drive up costs, with some states seeing even steeper increases.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Gas prices have risen an average of 27 cents per gallon across the United States since last Sunday, with the national average now at $3.25 per gallon. The price hike was partially fueled by a 10-cent jump that happened overnight Monday into Tuesday, the largest single-day rise since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022. In some states, the price increase has been even more dramatic, with Kentucky and Arkansas seeing jumps of 21 and 20 cents respectively.

Why it matters

The rise in gas prices is being driven by a combination of factors, including the impact of the conflict in Iran, which has disrupted oil tanker movement through the critical Strait of Hormuz, as well as the switch to more expensive summer fuel blends. These factors have led to a surge in crude oil futures, which in turn is pushing up prices at the pump for American consumers.

The details

Part of the price hike is attributed to the impact of the conflict in Iran, which caused crude futures to spike earlier this week. Oil prices are still climbing, with a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, up 3.8% to $84.52 on Thursday. That's up from close to $70 late last week. Refiners have also been switching over to the more-expensive summer blends of fuel, further contributing to the price increases.

  • On Sunday, gas was below $3 a gallon in 39 states.
  • As of Thursday, only 17 states are below the $3 mark.
  • The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $3.25, up roughly 36 cents from a month ago, but only 15 cents more than the same time last year.
  • Diesel prices are even worse off, with an average price of $4.12 per gallon in the U.S., the highest since December 2023.

The players

AAA

A federation of motor clubs throughout North America that provides various automotive and travel services.

Patrick De Haan

The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, a company that provides data and analysis on gas prices.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who pitched a plan aimed at getting oil and trade moving again through the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“Gas stations aren't the villains during price spikes. They're middlemen. When wholesale prices surge, their costs jump immediately and margins often shrink while they try to keep up with higher replacement costs.”

— Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis, GasBuddy (X)

What’s next

President Trump's plan to provide political risk insurance for tankers carrying oil and other goods through the Persian Gulf could help stabilize the situation and get trade moving again through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially easing the pressure on gas prices.

The takeaway

The sharp rise in gas prices across the United States, driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions and seasonal fuel changes, is putting a significant strain on American consumers. While gas station owners are not the root cause of the price hikes, the situation highlights the vulnerability of the country's energy supply and the need for long-term solutions to improve energy security and affordability.