“My car here is typically only $35 to fill, now it’s in the $40 - $50 range and it’s a little ridiculous.” MS NOW's Laura Haefeli spoke directly with New Jersey voters on how rising oil prices nationwide — caused by Trump's war in Iran — impacts them at the gas pump. MS NOW: My Source for News, Opinion, and the World. » Subscribe to MS NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@msnow MS NOW is the go-to destination for domestic and international breaking news, and best-in-class opinion journalism. For more context and n ...

Core Insights - Gas prices have surged by 90 cents since March 1, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has pushed oil prices higher [1][8] - The national average for regular gas has reached $3.88 per gallon, marking a 4-cent increase overnight and a total rise of 90 cents over 18 days [2][8] - The increase in gas prices is significant as it affects household budgets, with economist Joe Lavorgna noting that higher gas prices quickly erode household liquidity [3] Price Variations - Gas prices have exceeded $3 in every state, with three states reporting prices above $5 per gallon [6][9] - Oklahoma currently has the lowest gas price at $3.24 per gallon, while California leads with an average of $5.62 [6][9] - The spread between the cheapest and most expensive states is $2.38 per gallon, highlighting the sharp variations in gas prices across the country [9] Historical Context - The last time the national average gas price topped $5 per gallon was in June 2022, and currently, three states have crossed that threshold again [10] - The current surge in gas prices has made the differences in state prices more pronounced, reflecting structural factors such as taxation and distribution [11] Taxation Impact - Fuel taxes significantly contribute to the variation in gas prices, with federal and state taxes accounting for over 14% of the average price per gallon in 2023 [12] - States with higher gasoline taxes and fees show more pronounced differences in prices at the pump [12]

Core Insights - The Iran conflict has led to a significant increase in oil prices, which has resulted in a surge in gasoline prices across the United States [1][8] - The national average for regular gas has risen to $3.84 per gallon, marking an increase of 86 cents since March 1, 2023 [2][8] - Gas prices have exceeded $3 in every state, with three states now averaging above $5 per gallon [6][9] Price Trends - The national average gas price increased by 5 cents overnight, contributing to a total rise of 86 cents over 17 days [2][8] - Prior to this increase, the national average had remained below $3 for 13 consecutive weeks, marking the first time in the $2 range since 2021 [2] State Variations - Gas prices vary significantly by state, with Kansas having the lowest average at $3.23 per gallon, while California leads with an average of $5.56 [6][9] - The difference between the cheapest and most expensive states is $2.33 per gallon [10] Economic Impact - Rising gas prices are a concern for household budgets, as they can quickly erode liquidity [3] - Fuel taxes contribute significantly to the variation in gas prices across states, accounting for over 14% of the average price per gallon in 2023 [12][13]