WASHINGTON, DC — Gas prices across the United States have climbed sharply since the Iran War began six months ago, and AAA now says August is on track to become the most expensive August ever at the pump. The national average price for regular gasoline was $4.10 on Aug. 27, up from $2.98 the day before the strikes were launched, according to the organization’s data.

That marks a rise of nearly 40% over the period. AAA’s analysis also shows this is the first August on record in which the national average for regular gas has stayed above $4 every day.

What AAA Found

AAA’s projection is based on national fuel-price data, including daily averages tracked across the country. The group says prices surged in the opening weeks of the war, reaching a peak national average of $4.56 on May 21.

After that spike, fuel costs eased from late May into early July, but they have since edged back up and have hovered just above $4. The last time gas was this expensive, according to a separate analysis cited with AAA data, was in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Why Prices Moved

The piece ties the jump to the start of the Iran War and the market reaction that followed. It does not give a separate breakdown of regional supply changes, refinery issues, or other drivers, but it shows how quickly the national average moved after the conflict began.

For drivers, the main impact is straightforward: the price at the pump has stayed elevated for months rather than returning to prewar levels. The national figure on Aug. 27 was still well above where it stood before the strikes, and AAA’s data suggests August will close with a new high for the month.

What To Watch Next

AAA is updating its fuel-price information daily, and the piece says a county-by-county map is available with nationwide gasoline costs. Readers looking for the most current average can check AAA’s data updates as the month closes out.

The trend to watch is whether the national average stays above $4 through the end of August. If it does, AAA’s analysis says the month will finish as a record-setting August for gasoline prices in the United States.

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