U.S. gas prices remain elevated as state-by-state gaps widen

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U.S. gas prices state gaps

Highlights

Average U.S. gasoline prices remain above $4 per gallon after a steady climb since late February, with significant state-by-state disparities.
Supply risks from U.S.-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and refinery outages in the Midwest are fueling higher gas prices, especially in West Coast and Great Lakes states.
Analysts forecast summer national average gasoline prices could range widely from $3.50 to $5.50 per gallon due to persistent market uncertainty.

State price gaps deepen amid national rise

As reported by Business Insider, its interactive map tracks how gasoline prices in each state compare with the rest of the country during the latest nationwide surge. The data cited in the report show West Coast states facing the strongest price pressure, while states such as Oklahoma and Kansas consistently post some of the lowest averages during the recent run-up.

The spread between states remains wide, but the increase is broad-based across the country. Average U.S. gasoline prices climb steadily after late February, and the national benchmark remains above $4 a gallon after reaching that level by March 31.

Supply risks and refinery outages support higher prices

Several factors are pushing fuel costs higher, according to analysts cited in the report. Tensions involving the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transit route that carries about 20% of the world's oil, are raising concerns about global supply.

Seasonal changes are also adding pressure because spring typically brings a shift to a more expensive summer fuel blend. At the same time, refinery outages in the American Midwest are tightening supply in the Great Lakes region, adding to regional cost pressures.

Patrick De Haan, a fuel market expert at GasBuddy, says global oil trading dynamics continue to feed domestic price increases even though the U.S. remains the world's largest oil producer. He says the outlook for summer gasoline prices still carries significant uncertainty, with a possible national average ranging from $3.50 to $5.50 a gallon.

Our earlier coverage of Project Freedom highlighted Washington’s response to escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf after Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, including efforts to protect civilian and commercial vessels and keep key trade routes open. We noted that disruptions in this major energy corridor can raise security risks for shipping and tighten global oil supply expectations—factors that can quickly feed through into higher fuel prices.

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