US gasoline and diesel prices have surged to seasonal record highs as the fallout from the US-Iran war continues to ripple through global energy markets. As of the middle of April 2026, the national average price of regular unleaded gasoline according to the AAA or GasBuddy, is approximately $4.12-$4.16 per gallon; this is at its highest point for the month of April since 2022 and represents an increase of more than 1 dollar over last month’s price of approximately $3.09. The price for regular unleaded gasoline will vary greatly from one area/state of the US to another; however, based on the most recent reports of both AAA and GasBuddy, the price of regular unleaded gasoline has risen significantly higher in some states (CA) than others (AK-OR) with prices at this time exceeding $5.90 in California.
Additionally, diesel fuel has increased significantly, with reports by both AAA and GasBuddy indicating that the price of diesel fuel is approximately $5.67 – $5.68 nationwide; this is also the highest price reported by either AAA or GasBuddy since July 2022 and an increase of approximately 60 percent over last year. Truckers and supply chain industries find themselves struggling due to the high cost of diesel fuel, with locations across the country reporting prices close to or greater than $7.00 per gallon.
The chaos created by the war in the Middle East has been the primary cause of these growing rates. The fighting in that area has caused severe disruptions of oil shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint where approximately 20% of the world’s oil trade passes through on a daily basis. Even though there is now a tenuous ceasefire in place, there is still a lot of uncertainty. Refiners and retailers of fuel are unwilling to reduce their prices until shipping routes are reliably reopened and crude supplies are stabilized. The price of crude oil has reached above $100 per barrel and will have an immediate effect on the price at the pump. There are also seasonal factors contributing to the situation. As fuel sales switch from more expensive summer blend gasoline to regular gasoline in most areas, demand for gasoline will increase during the spring months.
The economic impact is spreading quickly. Higher fuel prices are pushing up transportation costs, which in turn raise grocery bills, shipping fees, and the price of many everyday goods. Airlines and logistics companies have started adding surcharges, while farmers face rising fertilizer and equipment expenses. Economists warn this “warflation” could add fresh pressure on inflation just as it had been cooling. For American households, the pain is immediate. Many drivers are now paying $50–$80 more to fill a typical tank compared to early March. Truckers and small businesses reliant on diesel are cutting margins or passing costs to consumers.
Analysts predict that the high costs of gasoline will last for weeks to months, depending on how quickly oil production returns in the Gulf. They note that the IEA is releasing its strategic reserves and US has lifted some sanctions on certain Russian and Venezuelan oil as well as temporarily suspending certain shipping requirements. However, these actions will take time to have an impact at the pump.
This spike in gasoline prices follows the pattern of volatility experienced following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but at a quicker rate in percentage increases. The US is a net exporter of oil; nevertheless, due to US refineries along the coast depending upon imported, heavier types of crude oil, the US is still subject to the global price increase. Therefore, for now, it appears to be very hard to know how much relief there will be for drivers at the gas pump. Experts suggest that drivers compare price from different service stations and consider fuel-efficient alternatives when possible, as gas prices in the US continue to be influenced by situations occurring in the Middle East.
$5 Diesel, $4 Gas: Fuel Costs Explode Across US Amid Iran War
