Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 4
U.S. Gasoline Hits $4.15 a Gallon as Gulf Conflict Keeps Fall Prices Elevated
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 4

U.S. Gasoline Hits $4.15 a Gallon as Gulf Conflict Keeps Fall Prices Elevated

3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 4

Summary

  • $4.15 a gallon on Sunday left the national gas average far above late February’s $2.98, squeezing household budgets and forcing some Americans to cancel trips, cut spending or rethink car ownership.
  • AAA said August averaged a record $4.07 for the month after crude hovered in the $80-a-barrel range while the Strait of Hormuz remained largely blocked, with Russia-Ukraine fighting also supporting energy prices.
  • Travel held up despite the pain, but Memorial Day and July 4 volumes were projected to match last year’s highs rather than extend the post-pandemic run of big holiday gains.
  • Analysts expect the pressure to persist through fall: Labor Day gas has never previously topped $4 nationally, and GasBuddy says September through November could be the most expensive on record unless geopolitical tensions ease.

Insights

If crude oil isn't at record highs, why are consumers paying unprecedented prices for the diesel that powers global supply chains?
With refiners maxed out and global choke points closed, what happens to grocery prices when freight trucks cannot afford fuel?