Drivers across the United States are feeling a familiar pinch at the pump as gasoline prices continued their upward climb this week. According to recent data from AAA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel hit 4.44 dollars on Thursday. This represents a steady increase from 4.37 dollars just twenty four hours prior and is significantly higher than the 4.28 dollar average seen a week ago. When compared to this time last year, motorists are paying more than 1.20 dollars extra per gallon, though prices have fluctuated wildly recently, peaking at over five dollars earlier in the month.
The surge in costs comes amid ongoing geopolitical instability following the start of the war in Iran more than six months ago, turning energy costs into a central issue for the Trump administration ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. During a campaign stop in Gastonia, North Carolina, President Trump dismissed worries over the rising costs, suggesting that current prices are an inexpensive trade off for broader strategic goals. While acknowledging that costs have risen, he expressed confidence that these figures will eventually tumble back down.
Geographically, the burden is not shared equally among all states. Residents of California continue to face some of the steepest hikes in the country, with averages reaching as high as 6.09 dollars per gallon on Thursday. Other Western states like Washington and Nevada follow closely behind, while Alaska and Hawaii also report pricing well above five dollars. Across every major region including the West Coast and Rocky Mountains, consumers are seeing increases of more than one dollar per gallon compared to September of last year.
