The average price of gasoline in the United States reached $4.14 per gallon this weekend, marking a historic record for Labor Day that has never before exceeded the four-dollar barrier, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
The main trigger for the increase is the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, which has been ongoing for more than six months and has disrupted oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz —through which 20% of the world's oil supply flowed before the conflict— driving the price of the barrel up to the range of 90 dollars.
AAA warned that the current price exceeds last week's average by four cents and surpasses the previous record for this holiday: the $3.82 per gallon recorded on September 3, 2012.
A year ago, during the same period in 2025, a gallon averaged $3.19, reflecting an increase of nearly one dollar over twelve months.
"The persistent volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil prices up to the range of 90 dollars per barrel. After a record August, this Labor Day weekend is also on track to set a historic high in fuel prices," the organization noted in a statement.
The entity also warned that, although gasoline demand typically decreases by the end of summer —which normally leads to a drop in prices— "this year the situation is different due to the high cost of crude oil."
The diesel also set an all-time historical record: $5.88 per gallon this Saturday, a figure that represents an increase of approximately 60% compared to the same period in 2025, when it was at $3.71.
The conflict with Iran, which has not succeeded in overthrowing the ayatollah regime despite more than six months of operations, has had a sustained impact on the U.S. economy: inflation reached 4.2% in May 2026, its highest level in nearly three years, before moderating to 3.4% in July following a slight containment of energy costs.
Labor Day is not the only summer milestone characterized by high prices. During the Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, the average price per gallon was $4.55, the highest in four years for that date and nearly $1.40 more than in 2025.
The states most affected by prices are California, with an average between $5.78 and $5.83 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.47 and Hawaii at $5.41.
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global supply chains and plunged markets into uncertainty since the conflict began, with no clear signs of a short-term normalization that could ease the pressure on American consumers.
The absolute historical record for gasoline in the U.S. remains at $5.0165 per gallon, recorded on June 14, 2022, a mark that has yet to be surpassed despite the current cycle of increases.
Related videos:
Filed under: