Israel-Iran Tensions Drive Summer Gas Price Spike

Gas prices in the United States are rising as the conflict between Israel and Iran pushes crude oil to its highest levels since January, with concerns about potential disruptions to supply—especially through the critical Strait of Hormuz—fueling volatility. The national average for regular gas has increased, and further jumps of 10–30 cents per gallon are possible as summer travel demand peaks. Regional price trends vary, with some areas like Bend, Oregon, seeing steady prices and others, such as Arizona, experiencing recent drops. Despite recent increases, gas prices remain lower than last year in many places, and analysts say reaching the record highs seen during the early Russia-Ukraine conflict is unlikely. Experts also warn that natural disasters or major refinery outages could drive prices higher than the Middle East conflict alone if they occur this summer. Consumers are advised to monitor prices closely and expect ongoing fluctuations.