The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.48 on Tuesday, up 31 cents from the previous week, according to AAA, as the ongoing Iran conflict disrupts global oil supply. The increase marks a 50% rise since the war began in March, driven by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil normally flows.

Crude oil prices have surged to as high as $112 a barrel in early April, the International Energy Agency said, calling the disruption the largest in oil market history. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates crude costs accounted for 51% of the retail gasoline price in 2025, with refining, taxes, and distribution making up the remainder. Analysts at S&P Global and Columbia University confirmed a direct correlation between rising crude costs and pump prices.

In April, U.S. sanctions blocked Iranian oil exports, which had been helping moderate global prices, further tightening supply, experts at Rice University noted. Market volatility remains high, with prices reacting sharply to developments in the Persian Gulf and diplomatic updates. The Energy Information Administration warned that without a resolution, prices will continue to climb.

The White House has not announced new measures to stabilize fuel costs, and energy analysts say prices will remain elevated as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained. AAA stated that current prices exceed those from early May 2022, and the agency expects further increases unless oil flow resumes. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.