Gasoline prices soar as Strait of Hormuz closes due to Iran war
Gas prices are rising as Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil supplies and raising concerns about the impact on the global economy.
Gas stations in California have been in the spotlight for charging nearly $9 a gallon, especially high amid the ongoing Iran-US war, and causing pump failures.
Photos from a gas station in Los Angeles’ Chinatown on March 20 show that regular unleaded gasoline costs about $8.71 per gallon, with Plus, Supreme and diesel even more expensive.
Gasoline prices are lower in other parts of the state. However, it is still high compared to other parts of the country. California’s average gas price was nearly $5.84 per gallon as of March 26, according to AAA, higher than the national average of $3.98 per gallon.
As the war with Iran continues, costs at gas stations across the United States are rising.
Gasoline prices soar due to war between Iran and US
The war between Iran and the US has put pressure on gas stations since attacks began in late February. While the US, Israel and Iran enter a new phase in their ongoing war, with oil and gas becoming a key target for both sides, consumers have seen prices rise by $1 over the past month.
Much of the pressure stems from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a 160-mile waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Strait of Hormuz transports 20% of the world’s oil traffic and approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne liquefied natural gas.
But that pressure may soon ease somewhat as negotiations continue between Iran and the United States.
As USA TODAY previously reported, President Donald Trump said on March 26 that Iranian authorities had allowed 10 “large oil vessels” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a show of good faith during back-channel negotiations with the United States.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_.
