Skyrocketing gas prices in the US

Image from CNN

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For the first time on record, the average diesel prices in San Francisco, California, have surged past $8 per gallon, marking an unprecedented milestone for any U.S. city. This jump in gas price is happening, as the war with Iran pushes global oil prices higher, underscoring the volatility in fuel markets and how stricter regulations, higher taxes and limited supply can drive prices well above the national average.

Diesel, which powers much of the nation’s freight, shipping and public transportation systems, is especially sensitive to refining capacity and global supply disruptions. Higher diesel costs often translate into increased transportation and shipping expenses, which can ultimately push up prices for goods and services nationwide.

As of April 5, the national average for regular gasoline stood at $4.11 per gallon, according to AAA – up 86 cents from a month earlier, with prices of the West Coast reaching $5.92 per gallon in California and $5.37 in Washington. On the East Coast, gas prices are exceeding $4 in several areas, including $4.27 in Washington, D.C., and $4.06 in New York. In the Midwest and Southern states, the prices remain cheaper overall, with Texas averages about $3.82 and South Carolina at $3.82, while Florida is higher at $4.20. Since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran drags on, gas in the US has increased $1.14 nationally. 

Gas prices across the US (image from FoxNews)

As oil supplies remain disrupted in the Middle East, Americans have seen gas stations across the country change their signs every day for more than a month. Price increase across states has not been spread evenly, owed to regional differences in taxes, distribution costs and refining margins. But the common denominator is the supply of oil in the world. Although the United States is a net exporter of petroleum products, it has to import millions of barrels a day of those commodities to refine, and the cost of those barrels is vulnerable to shockwaves in the global market. If the war drags on, fuel prices will continue to chip away at Americans’ wallets.

Rank	Most expensive country for gas	Price (USD/gallon)	Least expensive country for gas	Price (USD/gallon)
1	Hong Kong	$15.37	Libya	9 cents
2	Malawi	$10.83	Iran	11 cents
3	Norway	$10.37	Venezuela	13 cents
4	Denmark	$10.03	Angola	$1.24
5	Netherlands	$9.91	Kuwait	$1.30

`“When fuel prices spike, some consumers will want to get rid of their gas-guzzling car and replace it with something more fuel efficient.” “Unfortunately, doing so costs thousands of dollars to chase perhaps hundreds of dollars in savings,” (Sandberg).

One way people can save money on gas is to keep their cars, and instead they should consider using a gas app or joining a warehouse club such as Costco to find other gas savings. Regular car maintenance and calm driving may also stretch your gas budget.

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Simon Story is a 11th grader at Poudre High School, and this is his first year with the Poudre Press. The column he is working on is about war. He is not currently involved in any school activities, but he has interests in filming, video games, and reading. Some of his plans for post-graduation are either going into a trade, or doing something in the food industry, or in IT.

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Works Cited

Isidore, Chris. “‘Through the roof’: This county has the highest average gas price in America.” CNN, 6 April 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/06/business/mono-county-gas-california. Accessed 6 April 2026.

Lindner, Emmett. “Maps: How Much Have Gas Prices Risen Across The U.S.?” The New York Times, 3 April 2026, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/business/energy-environment/gas-prices-map-iran-war-oil.html. Accessed 6 April 2026.

Macias, Amanda. “San Francisco becomes first US city where diesel prices top $8 a gallon.” Fox Business, 5 April 2026, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/san-francisco-becomes-first-us-city-where-diesel-prices-top-8-gallon. Accessed 6 April 2026.

Sandberg, Erica. “A Look at Gas Prices Around the World.” U.S. News Money, 31 March 2026, https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/spending/articles/a-look-at-gas-prices-around-the-world. Accessed 6 April 2026.