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Gas Prices Dip to $4.41 a Gallon as Middle East War Lifts Oil
Why are gas prices so high today?
US gasoline prices slipped about 1.5% to a national average of $4.41 a gallon on Thursday, still a record for early October, as the Middle East conflict keeps oil near $100.
Key numbers
| US average gas price | $4.41/gal-7¢ vs last week |
|---|---|
| September average gas price | $4.33/gal+50¢ vs 2023 record |
| Brent crude | $99/bblDown on Friday |
| US average diesel price | $6.37/gal— |
| Fed rate-hike odds for October | 16%from 64% a week ago |
| Senate vote on data center bill | 57-43Failed |
What happened
US gasoline prices slipped about 1.5% to a national average of $4.41 a gallon on Thursday, still a record for early October, as the Middle East conflict keeps oil near $100. On Wednesday, Senate Democrats blocked two Republican bills, one on power costs tied to data centers (57-43) and one on lawmakers trading stocks (53-47), and the Senate then recessed until November 9. Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, fell to about $99 a barrel on Friday.
Why it matters
Gasoline at $4.41 a gallon means higher costs for commuters, delivery drivers and anyone who drives, and September's $4.33 average was the highest ever for that month. Pump prices follow oil, so they stay high while the Middle East conflict keeps crude near $100 a barrel. With the Senate away until November 9, it cannot vote on energy-cost bills before then.
Who this affects
- MarketmixedMedium impact
- Stocks rose Friday even as fuel stays costly.
- CompanybearishMedium impact
- Drivers and delivery firms pay more at the pump.
- CompetitorsbearishMedium impact
- Diesel at $6.37 a gallon hits truckers and shippers.
- IndustrymixedMedium impact
- Oil producers benefit from near-$100 crude; fuel buyers lose.
Gasoline vs Diesel, Brent Crude
| Gasoline (US average)— | $4.41 | per gallon | -7¢ vs last week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (US average)— | $6.37 | per gallon | — |
| Brent crude— | $99 | per barrel | Lower on Friday |
As of 2026-10-02
How we got here
Senate Democrats block data center power-cost bill (57-43) and stock trading bill (53-47).
AAA reports US gas average of $4.41, down nearly 7 cents on the week.
Brent crude falls to about $99; stocks rise after weak September jobs report.
What to watch
- Senate returns from recess after blocking energy-cost and stock-trading bills.2026-11-09
- AAA's next weekly gas average, showing whether lower crude reaches the pump.2026-10-08
- US-Iran talks and any new strikes, which drive oil and gasoline prices.Q4 2026
Educational content only. Not investment advice.
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