Gasoline: everything we know so far

Americans are feeling the sting at the gas pump amid the war in Iran, despite the United States only importing 8% of its oil from the Middle East. Gasoline has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in South Africa.

Key facts

• Americans are feeling the sting at the gas pump amid the war in Iran, despite the United States only importing 8% of its oil from the Middle East.
• Despite America averaging over 13 million barrels per day, domestic gasoline prices are driven higher by global market forces, with oil producers selling tankers to the highest bidder on the international market.
• Gas prices in California hit $6 per gallon for the first time since 2023, according to AAA.
• Prices in the Golden State have surged 30% since the Iran war started.
• California gasoline prices hit $6 per gallon on Thursday, a 30% increase since the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran in late February.

What we know

Going deeper, despite America averaging over 13 million barrels per day, domestic gasoline prices are driven higher by global market forces, with oil producers selling tankers to the highest bidder on the international market.

On the substance, Gas prices in California hit $6 per gallon for the first time since 2023, according to AAA.

Beyond the headlines, Prices in the Golden State have surged 30% since the Iran war started.

More precisely, California gasoline prices hit $6 per gallon on Thursday, a 30% increase since the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran in late February.

It is worth noting that Gasoline prices nationwide surged 27 cents over the past week as oil prices spiked.

By the numbers

At this stage, as of Thursday, April 30, the national average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.30, with some states seeing prices as high as $6 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

On a related note, a month ago, the average price was $3.99, and around this time in 2025, it was $3.18.

Going deeper, Gas prices are the highest they've been, not just since the start of the Iran war, but since the early days of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, according to USA TODAY's previous reporting.

On the substance, James Cox, a managing partner at Harris Financial Group, predicts that the high prices will persist until the end of 2026.

What they're saying

“Insurance will rise on ships going through the Strait,” Zandi said. “There’s always a chance the ceasefire breaks and traders will want some premium to compensate for that risk.”

“There’s no going back to what we had,” Zandi said. “At least not this year.”

The wider context

On a related note, as many are feeling the toll at the pump, here's what experts are saying about the immediate future of gas prices in the United States.

Going deeper, Even with a ceasefire, oil and gasoline prices will remain elevated for several months, Cox said, unless some new source comes online.

On the substance, Gas prices have fluctuated in recent days, following news of a fragile ceasefire on April 8.

Beyond the headlines, Fuel costs are rising after it gas became clear that Iran is not reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important oil export corridors in the world.

More precisely, Gas prices nationwide spiked 27 cents over the past week as oil prices rose.

The bottom line

• Despite America averaging over 13 million barrels per day, domestic gasoline prices are driven higher by global market forces, with oil producers selling tankers to the highest bidder on the international market.
• As many are feeling the toll at the pump, here's what experts are saying about the immediate future of gas prices in the United States.
• As of Thursday, April 30, the national average price per gallon of regular gas is $4.30, with some states seeing prices as high as $6 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
• Searches spiking right now: What’s in the price of a gallon of gas?, Gasoline hits 4-year high of $4.30. Americans simply won’t stop driving., API: Crude -1.79M, Gasoline -8.47M, Distillates -2.6M, Cushing -820,000, Trump faces shrinking calendar to corral high fuel costs.