COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gas prices are surging across the nation, pushing closer to $4 per gallon, with Ohio motorists feeling the pinch. According to GasBuddy®, the national average for regular gasoline now stands at $3.92 per gallon, up nearly $1 from a month ago and 84 cents higher than last year. Diesel prices are also climbing, averaging $5.23 per gallon.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, cited seasonal demand and ongoing supply concerns tied to geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as key drivers. “It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark—potentially as early as this week—for the first time since 2022,” he said.
The spike follows comments from former President Donald Trump, who announced a temporary pause on potential strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure while talks with Tehran proceed. Early trading saw oil prices dip—WTI crude fell $5.63 to $92.60 per barrel, and Brent crude dropped $6.58 to $105.61—but prices remain elevated due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
In Ohio, the median gas price is $3.79 per gallon. The state ranks among the lower-cost markets, alongside Kansas and Oklahoma. However, weekly increases have been sharp, with states such as Illinois and Idaho seeing jumps of more than 30 cents per gallon. Diesel prices follow a similar pattern, with the median U.S. diesel price at $4.99 per gallon and California and Washington seeing the highest costs.
Analysts warn that volatility is likely to continue as markets react to global headlines and potential changes in the Iran talks. Any reduction in tensions could ease supply concerns, but experts say prices may remain sensitive to geopolitical developments for the foreseeable future.
