Gas prices across the United States have continued to soar amid the ongoing war with Iran, despite Donald Trump’s attempts to downplay the every day impact on Americans.
The average cost of gasoline across the country was priced at $4.14 a gallon on Monday, according to the AAA, as the conflict continues to impact oil prices across the world.
There is one state that has been hit particularly hard, however – California. Average prices in the Golden State have shot up to $5.929 but in one county prices have surged even higher.
Mono County, near Yosemite National Park and the Nevada state line, has the highest gas prices in the state at $6.721, according to the AAA, with reports of some gas stations in the county selling it for as much as $7.
Mono County resident Connie Lear told CNN she has started limiting trips to the nearest grocery store 20 miles away to once a week, and is using a golf cart or bike to check on the 42 vacation rentals she manages around town.
In order to refuel her hybrid Ford Explorer, Lear says she will often drive 120 miles into Nevada where gas was a considerably cheaper $4.57 the last time she had to fill up.
She told CNN she was worried the high gas prices would keep summer travelers away which are crucial for the town’s economy.
The war in Iran has caused oil prices to surge since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on the nation at the end of February. The market opened on Monday to crude oil prices in excess of $115 per barrel.
This shows no sign of easing as Iran maintains a tight grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway in the Middle East through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas passes.
U.S. gas prices surged past $4 per gallon for the first time since August 2022 last week as fuel costs skyrocket.
Fuel costs were already higher in California than any other part of the country because of the state’s reformulated gasoline program, which is more stringent than the federal government’s own.
There are few refineries that produce the state’s unique blend of gasoline, and these facilities often run at near capacity constantly, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. California also taxes higher for gasoline than other states.
Fuel also costs more in rural areas like Mono County as there are fewer low-cost gasoline retailers, like Costco, when compared to more metropolitan areas.
But despite the hikes, the U.S. has not been hit as hard by the Strait of Hormuz’s closure as countries like the Philippines, where a national emergency was declared on 25 March due to dwindling fuel reserves.
Over the Easter weekend, President Trump repeated his threats to Iran if the Strait did not re-open soon.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” he posted on Truth Social Sunday.
“There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****n’ Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP”.
