US gasoline prices rise as Iran conflict intensifies

Average gasoline prices in the United States have resumed climbing amid an escalation of the conflict involving Iran, which has pushed oil prices higher after they had previously fallen to levels seen at the beginning of the year.

According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price of a gallon (3.79 litres) of regular gasoline rose from $3.79 to $3.84, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Diesel prices also increased by four cents, reaching $4.81 per gallon.

California continues to record the highest fuel prices in the country, with gasoline averaging $5.38 per gallon.

The record for the average gasoline price in the United States was set in June 2022, when the cost exceeded $5 per gallon nationwide.

Fuel prices climbed to current levels shortly after the exchange of strikes in the Middle East and disruptions to supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. By the end of March, prices had surpassed $4 per gallon and, at their peak, rose above $4.50.

Prices later fell significantly following preliminary understandings between Washington and Tehran, although the decline lagged behind the drop in crude oil prices.

US President Donald Trump, who had earlier cited lower gasoline prices as one of the key achievements of his current term, said prices would soon return to the record lows Americans had enjoyed before the United States' very successful excursion to Iran.

The US leader urged Americans to report any violations related to fuel sales, noting that oil prices are falling rapidly, and gasoline prices at the pump are also declining — although not as quickly as they should.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov