Gas Prices Surge to $3.41 Nationwide, Hitting Highest Level of Trump’s Second Term
U.S. gas prices continued to climb this week, with the national average for regular unleaded reaching about $3.45 a gallon on Sunday.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was about 3.00 dollars at the start of March, then “jumped nearly 27 cents” in a week to 3.25 dollars. By March 8, some trackers were already showing averages closer to 3.45 dollars per gallon, a roughly 16 percent rise over the prior week. New York Times reporting on March 9 said gasoline prices are now up about 17 percent since the conflict started.
Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 and then traded around 107 dollars in recent sessions. An AP report and CNBC coverage describe prices “past” or “around” 110 to 114 dollars a barrel at peaks, as traders reacted to the shutdown or severe disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The escalating conflict with Iran remains the main driver behind the sudden increase. After U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent retaliation, crude markets tightened, with Brent crude trading above $91 a barrel on Friday, its highest level since mid‑2024. Refineries are also transitioning to summer‑blend gasoline, which includes more expensive additives designed to reduce evaporation in warmer weather.
Energy analysts warn that pump prices may not have peaked yet. Historically, about half of any crude‑driven increase in gasoline costs appears within 10 to 13 days, with roughly 90% passed through within about three weeks.
