US gas prices climbed back to an average of $4 per gallon on Monday, as renewed attacks involving the US and Iran added fresh pressure to energy markets.
Data from AAA shows the nationwide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has returned to $4. At this time last year, drivers were paying about $3.14 per gallon on average.
Because that figure reflects a national average, the pain at the pump looks different depending on where drivers live. Motorists in some states have already been paying more than $4 a gallon, while others are still seeing lower prices, with costs shaped by local supply conditions, state taxes and other regional factors.
The pressure is not limited to the United States. Consumers in countries around the world are also facing elevated fuel costs tied to the ongoing conflict.
Average US gas prices first crossed the $4-a-gallon mark in late March. They slipped below that level in mid-June and kept easing as crude oil prices cooled following an interim agreement between the US and Iran. Even during that decline, President Donald Trump voiced frustration that gasoline prices were not dropping as quickly as oil prices.
Fuel affordability is expected to remain a major concern for voters heading into the US midterm elections. Rising gasoline and oil prices can also ripple through the broader economy, making groceries and other everyday goods more expensive.
Crude oil prices have moved higher again in recent days as tensions between the US and Iran appear to be edging closer to a return to all-out war.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, gained 3.2% on Monday to reach $90.95 a barrel, while benchmark US crude rose 2.8% to $84.04 a barrel.
