As President Donald Trump’s deadline looms for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices are climbing nationwide, driven by rising crude oil costs.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, is a critical energy chokepoint. Fuel costs are spiking following Trump’s warning to Iran, demanding vessel passage by Tuesday, 8 p.m. ET, or face strikes on key infrastructure.
AAA reports the national average at $4.13 per gallon, up 89 cents from last month. The West Coast sees the highest prices, with California at $5.93 and Washington at $5.39 per gallon. On the East Coast, Washington, D.C. hits $4.28, and New York at $4.10.
In the Midwest, Illinois leads at $4.36 per gallon, while much of the region remains in the mid-$3 range. Southern states are cheaper, with Texas and Alabama averaging $3.84, and Florida at $4.18.
Diesel has climbed to $5.64, up $1.13 in a month, impacting freight, shipping, and public transport. San Francisco’s diesel costs have surpassed $8 per gallon, marking a U.S. first.
The surge highlights economic risks from the Strait of Hormuz standoff, weighing heavily on energy markets. The situation demands close monitoring for its potential to further inflate prices and disrupt supply chains.