AAA data shows the national average at $4.003 per gallon as Middle East conflict disrupts oil transit routes.
U.S. gasoline prices reached $4.003 a gallon on Monday, up 13 cents from the prior week, driven by renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and fears of prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The national average is now 86 cents higher than a year ago, with Brent crude surpassing $90 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate near $84.
Prices had briefly dipped below $4 in mid-June after a temporary deal to reopen the strait, but analysts cautioned that low global fuel stockpiles and summer demand could reverse the trend. The collapse of the agreement and reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade this week have halted most vessel traffic, tightening energy supplies.
Regional disparities persist, with Southern states paying closer to $3.60 a gallon while California drivers face prices near $5.50. Diesel prices also climbed to $5.11 a gallon, up 23 cents week-over-week.