Gas Prices Surge Across US as Iran Conflict Impacts Crude Oil

Prices jump 27 cents per gallon on average since Sunday, with some states seeing 30-cent increases

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Gas prices in the United States have risen sharply in recent days, with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumping 27 cents since Sunday to $3.25. The increase is partly attributed to the impact of the conflict in Iran, which has disrupted oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil chokepoint. Crude oil futures have spiked as a result, pushing up prices at the pump. Diesel prices have also hit a high not seen since December 2023, with the national average reaching $4.12 per gallon.

Why it matters

The sudden rise in gas prices is putting a strain on American consumers, who are already grappling with high inflation. The disruption in oil supply from the Iran conflict highlights the vulnerability of global energy markets to geopolitical tensions. This could have broader economic implications if the price hikes persist.

The details

The price hike has been particularly dramatic in some states, with 23 states seeing increases of 15 cents or more since Tuesday. Kentucky and Arkansas have seen the largest jumps, with prices up 21 and 20 cents per gallon, respectively. In total, 17 states have seen gas prices rise by at least 30 cents since Sunday. The surge is partly due to refiners switching over to more expensive summer fuel blends, in addition to the impact of the Iran conflict on crude oil futures.

  • On Sunday, gas was below $3 a gallon in 39 states.
  • As of Thursday, only 17 states are below the $3 mark.
  • On Tuesday, prices jumped 10 cents overnight, the largest single-day rise since the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The players

AAA

The American automobile association that tracks and reports on gas prices nationwide.

Patrick De Haan

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 proposed a plan to provide political risk insurance for oil tankers passing 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 at GasBuddy (X)

What’s next

President Trump's plan to provide political risk insurance for oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz could help stabilize oil supply and prices if implemented. However, the long-term impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The sudden spike in gas prices across the United States underscores the vulnerability of American consumers to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the global oil supply. This latest price hike serves as a reminder of the need for continued investment in domestic energy production and infrastructure to insulate the country from such shocks.