US Gasoline Prices Climb as Middle East Conflict Keeps Oil Elevated

American households are feeling renewed pressure at the fuel pump as the conflict in the Middle East continues to keep oil prices elevated. The national average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has risen to around $4.09, up roughly 6% from a month earlier and about 30% higher than the same period a year ago, according to motoring group data. The increases follow a surge in crude oil, with Brent climbing more than 38% so far in 2026 as tensions restricted transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy costs ripple through the wider economy, raising transport and production expenses and feeding into consumer prices, which is one reason Federal Reserve officials have flagged upside risks to inflation. For households, costlier fuel eats into disposable income and can crowd out other spending, an effect felt most acutely by lower-income families who spend a larger share of their budgets on gasoline. Analysts warn that prices could stay volatile as long as geopolitical tensions persist, complicating both family budgeting and the inflation outlook.