The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline has risen to $4 or more in every U.S. state [1].
This nationwide increase arrives as drivers prepare for the Memorial Day weekend, placing a significant financial burden on commuters and travelers across the country during a peak travel period.
The surge is linked to geopolitical instability. Prices have risen more than 50% since the United States entered a conflict with Iran in late February [1]. This conflict has driven up costs for gasoline nationwide, eliminating any regions where fuel remained below the $4 threshold.
Price variations remain stark between different regions. As of May 9, California recorded the highest costs at $6.16 per gallon [3]. Hawaii followed at $5.65 per gallon [5], while Washington reached $5.39 per gallon [4]. Other Western states also saw high averages, with Oregon at $4.99 [6], and Nevada at $4.97 [7].
In the interior and East Coast, prices were lower but still exceeded the $4 mark. Colorado reported a statewide average of $4.78 per gallon for regular unleaded [2]. On the East Coast, New York prices were $4.13 per gallon on May 9 [8], and Florida recorded $4.11 per gallon [9].
These figures highlight a uniform trend of inflation at the pump. The current pricing environment reflects the volatility of global energy markets when conflict disrupts supply chains or creates market uncertainty.
“The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline has risen to $4 or more in every U.S. state”
The synchronization of gas prices above $4 across all 50 states indicates that geopolitical shocks are currently outweighing local market variables or state-level taxes. The 50% increase tied to the conflict with Iran suggests a high sensitivity in the U.S. fuel supply chain to Middle Eastern instability, which may lead to sustained high costs if the conflict persists through the summer travel season.
