The price of a gallon of gas spiked overnight in the U.S., and drivers overseas are filling up tanks

U.S. gas prices surged 11 cents overnight as escalating Middle East conflict disrupted oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, leaving many drivers facing unexpected costs at the pump.

According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline climbed to $3.11 per gallon. While prices were already increasing due to seasonal refinery transitions to summer blends, the sharp rise follows recent military actions in the region and subsequent spikes in crude oil prices.

In Jackson, Mississippi, motorist Anne Dulske paid $15 more than usual to fill her tank on Tuesday. “It’s going to affect everything in our lives,” she said. “It’s very scary, and it does hit closer to home than people think.” Dulske noted she had previously observed gradually decreasing prices before being caught off guard by both the price jump and news of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.

Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, confirmed the impact is already substantial. “We are knee-deep into the gas price increases,” he said. While DeHaan estimates prices could rise further, he believes it’s “quite improbable” they would reach $4 per gallon nationwide based on current developments, despite widespread consumer concerns about more dramatic increases.

The ripple effects extend beyond the United States. In a Parisian suburb, drivers waited in lines 15 cars deep at fueling stations charging approximately €1.846 per liter (€7 per gallon) for diesel. “I’m heading out to the countryside and I’m almost out of fuel,” said customer Laurence Rihouay. “But there are a lot of people here. There’s never usually this many.”

Oil markets reacted dramatically on Tuesday as Iran launched retaliatory attacks, including a drone strike targeting the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Iran has also struck energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia while disrupting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of globally traded oil passes.

These developments sent benchmark U.S. crude soaring 8.6% to $77.36 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 6.7% to $81.29. These represent price levels not seen in more than a year.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation from the Oval Office on Tuesday, attempting to reassure Americans. “We have a little high oil prices for a little while, but as soon as this ends, those prices are going to drop, I believe, lower than even before,” he stated.

The price surge has particular implications for businesses dependent on fuel. In Mississippi, Brody Wilkins, who works for a landscaping and construction company, expressed concern while filling gas canisters. “We use gas nonstop,” he said. “I don’t know how long this is supposed to last, but I hope not very long.”

Energy analysts note that crude oil prices are the most significant factor determining what U.S. consumers pay at the pump, with price increases typically reflected within two weeks of market movements. Some regions are already seeing more dramatic increases—in Burlington, Massachusetts, prices at one station approached $4 per gallon on Tuesday.

Local resident Erin Kelly described the price as “hefty,” noting she paid more than $5 for premium fuel while driving her father’s car. “We already are paying more in the grocery store,” she added. “We’re paying even more than we were paying before at the gas pump. So, I don’t know, it’s a little concerning.”

In Europe, where fuel taxes typically result in higher consumer prices, the situation has created additional anxiety. “With Iran and the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked, it is causing alarm everywhere and driving up oil prices,” said Abdelilah Khalil at a station outside Paris. “It’s panic on board, everyone is worried, and I think that’s why many people are rushing to gas stations to fill up.”

Energy market analysts are closely monitoring developments in the Persian Gulf, as continued disruptions could further strain global supply chains already dealing with post-pandemic adjustments and regional conflicts. For consumers worldwide, the immediate reality is higher prices at a time when many households are already facing inflationary pressures across multiple spending categories.