U.S. national average gasoline price rises back above $4 per gallon amid Middle East conflict

Published Jul 20, 02:15 PM UTC

On July 20, 2026, the U.S. national average gasoline price rose above $4 per gallon for the first time since a previous surge, reaching $4.0030 according to AAA. The increase follows a 16% jump in crude oil prices over the prior week, driven by renewed hostilities in the Middle East, including Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. strikes against Iran, and Iranian missile attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint, was effectively closed again after a brief reopening in late June. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan noted that the eight-week decline in gas prices had ended, with diesel also rising above $5 per gallon. The price spike reflects a war premium as markets react to escalating conflict and supply disruption risks.