Gas prices spike to four-year record as some drivers face paying $6 per gallon

WorldBusiness & Finance
31 Mar 2026 • 8:14 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • The average price of a gallon of regular fuel in the US has surpassed $4, according to motor club AAA – with prices in at least two cities in California already eclipsing $6 per gallon.
  • This significant increase in fuel costs is directly linked to a rise in oil prices, which surged after a US attack on Iran on February 28, impacting global oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • An energy consultant forecasts that gas prices are expected to continue their upward trend, potentially reaching a peak of $4.50 to $5, with no immediate relief anticipated until at least late spring or summer.
  • In an effort to alleviate the impact of soaring prices, the Trump administration announced a temporary suspension of air-pollution regulations for higher-ethanol E10 and E15 gas, effective from May 1 to May 20, to increase the domestic fuel supply.
  • For consumers seeking to mitigate costs, an analysis by GasBuddy suggests that filling up on Sundays is generally cheaper, while prices are typically highest between Wednesday and Friday.

IN FULL