The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States has climbed more than 30 cents over the past week, hitting $4.45 nationally on Monday, according to AAA. The spike comes as the U.S. military launched a mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz—a waterway that Iran has effectively blockaded following American and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Diesel prices are also on the rise, now averaging $5.64 per gallon, nearly 20 cents higher than a week ago. The increases are being driven by a sharp jump in global oil prices, which have surged amid the ongoing confrontation in the strait.
On Monday, U.S. Central Command confirmed that Navy warships had safely escorted two cargo ships through the waterway. Admiral Brad Cooper, the CENTCOM chief, told reporters that U.S. forces had “reached out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic flow” through the strait. But the escort mission quickly drew a violent response from Tehran.
Cooper said Iranian forces opened fire on American warships in the region. The U.S. military retaliated by destroying six Iranian small boats.
The confrontation is sending shockwaves through energy markets. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, noted on the social platform X that gas prices rose in every state over the past week. He also pointed to a nearly 30% increase in U.S. oil and product exports since the conflict began on February 28, with roughly 100 million barrels leaving American shores in the last seven days alone. That, he warned, is “driving prices higher” at the pump domestically.
The price surge is adding to political pressure on the Trump administration. March inflation hit 3.5%, fueled in part by the Iran conflict, and lawmakers from both parties are voicing concerns. Representative Steve Scalise recently clashed with a CNBC host over the rising costs, while House Democrats have pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the costs of the Iran war and the firing of military officials.
The administration is weighing its next move. President Trump met with oil executives to discuss extending the blockade on Iran as prices hit $4.23, and he has publicly warned Tehran to “get smart” as nuclear talks stall. Meanwhile, oil prices have spiked to $126 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, and talks with Iran have failed to produce a breakthrough.
For American drivers, the pain at the pump shows no sign of easing. With the Navy now operating under fire in the strait and global supply chains tightening, the price of a gallon of gas could climb even higher in the days ahead.
