Rising gasoline prices are increasing the cost of filling up and creating financial pressure for drivers across North America [1, 2, 3, 4].
This surge in cost particularly impacts commuters, ride-hail drivers, and gig-economy workers who rely on their vehicles for income. As pump prices climb, these drivers face a shrinking profit margin on every mile driven.
In the U.S., the national average gas price reached $4.14 per gallon in April 2026 [4]. Certain regions have seen even steeper increases, with prices in Los Angeles reported at $7 per gallon during that same month [4]. In the Sacramento area, prices have climbed toward $6 per gallon [3].
These price hikes are linked to higher crude-oil costs driven by the ongoing war with Iran and related supply constraints [2, 4]. The financial impact is significant, with U.S. drivers spending an additional $8.4 billion on fuel since the conflict began [2].
Drivers are feeling the pinch in Canada as well. In Windsor, Ontario, residents reported similar financial strain in a broadcast on May 1, 2026 [1]. In Kamloops, British Columbia, gas prices have approached $2 per litre [3].
For many, there is no alternative to the high cost of fuel. "I have to spend it—there's no other way," one driver said [4].
The trend of rising costs has led some drivers across the U.S. to cut back on their travel as prices remained above the $4 per gallon threshold throughout April [4].
“"I have to spend it—there's no other way"”
The correlation between geopolitical instability in the Middle East and consumer prices at the pump illustrates the volatility of the global energy market. For gig-economy workers, these costs act as a regressive tax, reducing take-home pay without a corresponding increase in platform wages, which may lead to a decrease in available ride-hail services in high-cost urban centers.
