By Rajwa Quasim
Gas prices are continuously rising across the U.S., making it increasingly difficult for Americans to manage transportation and living costs.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average for regular gasoline reached $4.44 per gallon on Sept. 17, up from $4.37 a day earlier and $4.28 a week ago. AAA’s latest figure put the national average at $4.47.
California recorded the highest average at about $6.09 per gallon, followed by Washington at $5.58 and Nevada at $5.19. At the other end of the scale, Indiana had one of the lowest averages at about $3.92 per gallon. Other states where prices remained below $4 a gallon included Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Gas prices usually decline at this time of year because demand typically drops after Labor Day as summer travel ends. Refiners and distributors also switch to cheaper winter-grade gasoline, which normally helps bring prices down. But this year, prices are moving in the opposite direction.
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The latest increase comes as crude oil prices remain elevated amid geopolitical tensions and constraints on energy supplies. AAA said crude oil was averaging around $100 per barrel. The national average for diesel reached about $6.40 per gallon on Sept. 17.
Higher diesel costs can eventually affect consumers. Beyond gas stations, trucking companies may charge more to transport goods, which can increase the cost of everyday essentials.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route that normally transports about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The waterway is now facing threats of a shutdown amid renewed tensions. Since the start of the war between the U.S. and Iran in February, crude oil prices have risen amid concerns about potential supply shortages.
Adding to the supply concerns, a drone attack forced Saudi Arabia to temporarily shut down its critical East-West oil pipeline. The 745-mile pipeline provides an alternate route for transporting Saudi oil, allowing the country to bypass potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
READ: Gas prices jump in the US, and drivers are going the extra mile to save (March 10, 2026)
The rise in fuel prices is also a key issue ahead of the November midterm elections. Democrats are expected to make the issue a major focus as they seek to regain power. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has argued at campaign rallies that Americans should tolerate somewhat higher gasoline prices if the ongoing war prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Earlier, Trump told Reuters about rising gas prices: “If they rise, they rise.”
At a rally in North Carolina on Sept. 16, Trump said higher gasoline prices would eventually come down.
“It’s a very inexpensive price to pay for what we’ve done. Remember that,” Trump said. He added, “But that’s going to come tumbling down.”