Related videos:
The price of gasoline in the United States has crossed a symbolic barrier not seen in almost four years.
This Tuesday, the national average surpassed 4 dollars per gallon, amid a global energy escalation marked by the war with Iran and rising tensions in international oil markets.
According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price is around $4.02 per gallon, which represents an increase of more than a dollar compared to the levels before the conflict began.
The figure confirms a rise that had not been recorded since the months following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the agency AP.
The increase in costs has been swift and sustained.
Since the end of February, when the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran, the price of crude oil—the main component of gasoline—“has skyrocketed and has fluctuated rapidly,” driven by disruptions in supply chains and production cuts from key countries in the Middle East.
A direct impact on people's pockets
The increase in prices is already being strongly felt in the daily lives of residents in the United States.
Filling the tank has become considerably more expensive, and the domino effect threatens to extend to the rest of the economy.
The rise in gasoline prices is affecting consumers and businesses, in a context where many households are already under pressure from the cost of living.
As fuel spending increases, consumers are forced to cut back in other areas, which can slow down economic activity.
Furthermore, the rising cost of transportation directly affects the prices of goods and services.
From basic goods to postal shipments, the rise in fuel prices is already starting to be passed on to the end consumer.
The United States Postal Service, for example, has requested a temporary surcharge of 8% on some of its most commonly used services.
Food could be one of the first to reflect this trend.
Analysts warn that, due to reliance on constant logistics chains, food products could become more expensive as transportation costs rise.
States with the highest gas prices
The price of gasoline in Florida has once again surpassed four dollars per gallon, a threshold not seen since 2022, amid a sustained increase in the international energy market.
According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), regular fuel was priced at $4.124 this Tuesday, up from $3.954 the previous day, while diesel reached $5.736.
In just one month, the cost of a gallon in Florida has increased by more than a dollar, rising from levels close to $2.98 at the end of February to current prices that exceed four dollars by a wide margin.
California tops the list of the most affected regions, with an average price of $5.887 per gallon, which at some stations even approaches seven dollars.
They are followed by Hawaii (5.452), Washington (5.346), Oregon (4.93), and Nevada (4.931), all significantly above the national average.
Other states with high prices include Arizona (4.68), Alaska (4.590), Idaho (4.267), Illinois (4.203), Utah (4.199), and the District of Columbia (4.191).
In this context, Florida ranks among the states with expensive gasoline, although it is still below the most critical levels recorded in the western part of the country.
Diesel and transportation, also under pressure
The rise is not limited to gasoline. Diesel, essential for the transport of goods, has increased even more sharply.
Currently, the average price hovers around 5.45 dollars per gallon, compared to the 3.76 dollars recorded before the conflict began.
This increase directly affects the national supply chain, raising transportation costs for products throughout the country and further intensifying inflation.
A crisis with a global dimension
The phenomenon is not exclusive to the United States.
In Europe, prices are even higher.
In cities like Paris, fuel prices reach 2.34 euros per liter, which is equivalent to over 10 dollars per gallon.
The main reason is geopolitical. The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil passes, remains partially paralyzed.
The situation has forced several producing countries to cut back on production, while attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran, Israel, and other areas have exacerbated the uncertainty regarding supply.
Government response and emergency measures
In response to the escalation, the U.S. administration has started to implement measures to contain prices.
Among them is the release of strategic oil reserves, in coordination with the International Energy Agency, which announced the market introduction of 400 million barrels.
Some sanctions have also been relaxed to allow the entry of oil from countries like Venezuela and, temporarily, Russia.
This is complemented by the suspension for 60 days of certain maritime restrictions outlined in the Jones Act, aimed at facilitating fuel transportation.
From a regulatory standpoint, the director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin, warned that there is a risk of supply shortages and justified the relaxation of environmental regulations.
"We foresee the possibility of a disruption in the supply of American fuel," he stated.
For his part, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, although he tried to convey calm by describing the increase as "temporary."
A political problem as well
The rise in fuel prices has become a central topic in the American political debate during this election year.
A survey by AP-NORC reveals that 45% of adults in the country are "extremely" or "very" concerned about being able to afford gasoline in the coming months, a significant increase from the 30% recorded after the 2024 presidential elections.
While the Democrats blame Donald Trump and the Republicans for the situation, the latter are trying to maintain control of Congress in a context of growing citizen discontent.
What can happen now?
Although the United States is a net exporter of oil, it is not immune to global fluctuations.
The oil market operates in an interconnected manner, and U.S. refineries partially depend on imported crude, which makes them vulnerable to international crises.
In the short term, price evolution will largely depend on the duration of the conflict with Iran and the stability of key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
If the war drags on, experts warn that prices could continue to rise.
For now, consumers are already facing a reality they hadn't seen since 2022: gasoline prices above 4 dollars and increasing pressure on the cost of living, with effects that could extend far beyond the gas stations.
Filed under: