WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. gas prices surged over the past week, rising nearly 30 cents as global oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel, according to AAA.
The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.30, up 27 cents from a week earlier and more than $1 higher than the same time last year. Prices are now at their highest level in nearly four years, AAA said.
The spike follows a period of declining prices and is tied to ongoing disruptions in global oil markets, including the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for crude oil.
AAA data shows the national average stood at $4.03 one week ago, $3.99 one month ago and $3.18 one year ago.
New figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show gasoline demand increased slightly last week, rising from 9.05 million barrels per day to 9.10 million. At the same time, domestic gasoline supply dropped from 228.4 million barrels to 222.3 million barrels, while production declined to 9.8 million barrels per day.
Oil prices also climbed sharply. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $6.95 to settle at $106.88 per barrel in the latest trading session. U.S. crude inventories fell by 6.2 million barrels, though they remain about 1% above the five-year average for this time of year.
Electric vehicle charging costs also edged higher, with the national average rising one cent to 41 cents per kilowatt hour at public charging stations.
Among states, California continues to have the highest gas prices at $6.01 per gallon, followed by Hawaii and Washington. The lowest prices were reported in Oklahoma at $3.70, along with several Southern and Midwestern states.
AAA said drivers can track gas and electric charging prices along their routes using its TripTik travel planner.
