PomegraGas Prices Slip to $4.34 as Oil Climbs on Iran War
Why are gas prices still above $4 today?
US gasoline prices (regular) held at $4.34 a gallon on Tuesday, about 41% above a year ago, as Iran war attacks and Gulf hurricane shutdowns keep oil near $106 a barrel.
Key numbers
| Regular gas, US average (AAA) | $4.34+41% vs $3.08 a year ago; other trackers differ by cents |
|---|---|
| Days above $4 in 2026 (GasBuddy) | 157Ties 2022 record (per [3]) |
| 2026 high, May 21 | $4.56Current price about 5% lower |
| Brent crude | $106Up about 2% on Oct 12; quotes vary $106–$108 by time of day |
| Gulf of Mexico oil output shut in | ~2/3Hurricane Isaias, Oct 8 |
What happened
US gasoline prices (regular) held at $4.34 a gallon on Tuesday, about 41% above a year ago, as Iran war attacks and Gulf hurricane shutdowns keep oil near $106 a barrel. This is the first year the national average has stayed above $4 into October, AAA says. GasBuddy counts 157 days above $4 so far in 2026, level with the 2022 record, and Wednesday could set a new one (per). Prices peaked at $4.56 on May 21.
Why it matters
Gasoline at $4.34 a gallon costs drivers about $1.26 more per gallon than a year ago, which strains household budgets and raises costs for businesses that move goods. Fuel stockpiles are low, so there is little room for new shocks. GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan says the refining problem could last three to six months.
Who this affects
- MarketmixedMedium impact
- Oil producers gain; fuel-heavy businesses face higher costs.
- CompanybearishMedium impact
- Drivers pay about $1.26 more per gallon than last year.
- CompetitorsbearishLow impact
- Diesel and heating oil buyers also face rising costs.
- IndustrybearishHigh impact
- Refiners face tight supply; low stockpiles raise the risk of spikes.
US Gasoline vs Brent Crude, WTI Crude
| US regular gasoline (per gal)— | $4.34 | $3.08 | — |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brent crude (per bbl)BZ=F | $106 | — | +1.8% |
| WTI crude (per bbl)CL=F | $93 | — | +2% |
As of 2026-10-13
How we got here
National average hits 2026 high of $4.56 a gallon
Hurricane Isaias shuts in nearly two-thirds of Gulf oil output; gas at $4.36
Saudi Arabia reports deadliest attack of the war; Brent rises toward $106
GasBuddy count reaches 157 days above $4, tying 2022 (per)
What to watch
- Whether the national average stays above $4 on Wednesday, setting a new record for days2026-10-14
- Gulf Coast refinery and oil output recovery after Hurricane Isaias, with fuel stockpiles lowQ4 2026
- Brent crude reaction to Middle East attacks and doubts over a Russia-Ukraine energy truceQ4 2026
Educational content only. Not investment advice.
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