U.S. gasoline prices rise sharply in the wake of the conflict involving the United States and Iran, with multiple outlets citing AAA data showing increases of roughly half compared with the period before the war began. Several reports say the national average for a gallon of regular gas moves around $4.50 to $4.55 in recent days, including figures such as $4.48, $4.54, and $4.55 per gallon. Sources also report that prices increase by about 31 cents over the prior week. The main explanation shared across coverage is that the conflict disrupts global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which a large share of the world’s crude oil passes. Outlets describe oil tankers being stranded and Iran effectively restricting access, contributing to higher crude prices that lift gasoline costs at the pump. One account notes that gasoline prices had fallen for nearly two weeks in mid-April amid expectations that the conflict could be winding down, before prices rose again. Coverage also describes consumer impacts as prices remain above levels that typically trigger public concern.