When people hear news about war in the Middle East, they may soon see something surprising at home: higher gasoline prices. Why? The simple answer is oil. Gasoline is made from crude oil, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration says crude oil is the biggest part of the price you pay at the pump—about half in recent averages. (eia.gov)
The Middle East is very important to the world’s oil supply. A narrow sea route there, the Strait of Hormuz, is one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints. In 2024, about 20 million barrels of oil moved through it each day, equal to about 20% of global petroleum liquids use. The EIA says there are very few other ways to move that oil if the route is closed, and even a short problem there can cause delays, higher shipping costs, and higher world energy prices. (eia.gov)
Oil is sold in a global market, so fear can raise prices even before there is a real shortage. EIA says gasoline prices in different countries tend to move together, and U.S. gasoline prices follow Brent, an international oil price, more than a U.S.-only oil price. On April 30, 2026, AP reported that Brent crude rose above $125 a barrel because of worries about the Iran war and doubts about the Strait of Hormuz reopening. So even drivers far from the Middle East can feel the effect. (eia.gov)
That is exactly what happened in the United States this April. AP reported that the national average price of gasoline rose to $4.18 a gallon in late April 2026, more than $1 higher than before the war began. Gas stations are not keeping most of that money: AP says about 20% goes to refining, nearly 20% to taxes, and only about 10% is left for retailers before their own costs. So when war pushes oil prices up, families usually pay more first—and feel it fast. (apnews.com)
