Fuel prices across the United States have risen sharply in the past week after joint military strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. The operation, called “Operation Epic Fury” by the administration of Donald Trump, has triggered instability in global energy markets.

Data from GasBuddy shows that the average national price of regular petrol reached $3.434 per gallon on Saturday morning. This marks a steep increase from $2.972 per gallon last week and $2.891 last month.

Prices have also moved above last year’s level. Around the same time a year ago, shortly after Trump returned to office with a promise to reduce living costs, the national average petrol price stood at $3.087 per gallon.

Highest Prices of 2026 So Far

Although petrol prices have jumped quickly, they are still lower than the record levels seen during the pandemic period. In June 2022, prices peaked at $5.034 per gallon, the highest average ever recorded nationwide.

Even so, the current surge has pushed fuel prices to their highest level in 2026 so far. This rise has reversed the earlier trend of falling prices that many American drivers had hoped would continue.

Energy analysts say the ongoing war involving Iran is a major factor behind the sudden increase. Oil markets reacted strongly after the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

This narrow waterway is extremely important to global energy supply. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through it, making any disruption there a major concern for international markets.

Petrol Prices Climb Across Most States

The surge in fuel prices has spread widely across the country. Just a few days ago, only eight US states had average petrol prices above $3 per gallon.

Now that number has jumped dramatically. According to GasBuddy, 42 states are reporting average petrol prices higher than $3 per gallon.

Several states have experienced particularly sharp increases over the past week:

• Indiana — $3.448 (+64¢)

• Ohio — $3.399 (+62.6¢)

• West Virginia — $3.375 (+55.1¢)

• Florida — $3.407 (+53.7¢)

• Texas — $3.094 (+53.2¢)

• Colorado — $3.357 (+52.9¢)

• Iowa — $3.159 (+52.5¢)

• New Mexico — $3.247 (+52.1¢)

• Maryland — $3.456 (+51.6¢)

• Oklahoma — $2.922 (+50.8¢)

Meanwhile, the western US continues to record the highest fuel prices in the country.

California currently has the highest average petrol price at $5.048 per gallon. It is followed by Washington at $4.557, and Nevada at $4.119.

Rising Fuel Costs Hit American Consumers

Experts say the surge in petrol prices is already putting significant financial pressure on consumers.

Patrick DeHaan explained that the increase is having an “enormous” financial impact on households.

According to DeHaan, Americans are now spending around $175 million more every day on petrol than they were a week ago. Compared with last month, daily fuel spending has increased by about $200 million.

If prices stay at current levels, US consumers could end up paying nearly $1.5 billion more for fuel over the next week.

Conflict Could Push Prices Even Higher

Energy analysts believe petrol prices may continue rising if the conflict involving Iran continues.

DeHaan warned that the quickest way to stabilise global oil prices would be reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil shipments to resume normally.

Until that happens, uncertainty in the region could keep energy markets volatile and maintain upward pressure on fuel prices in the United States.