Updated March 31, 2026, 7:47 a.m. ET
The average price of a regular gallon of gas has surpassed $4 as the month of March comes to a close.
As of March 31, the average price of a gallon of fuel is $4.018, while the cost of a gallon of diesel is $5.454, according to AAA. In Texas, a gallon of gas will cost you $3.678, though some counties in West Texas, like El Paso and Hudspeth, are past the $4-mark.
It’s the first time that gas prices have soared past $4 in three years — when Russia invaded Ukraine resulting in prices briefly topping $5 per gallon.
Gas stations across the United States have seen climbing costs as the country remains at war with Iran. Here’s when we could see some relief.
Why are gas prices so high right now?
The gas prices come after strikes in Iran that ultimately killed the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as dozens of top officials during a campaign called “Epic Fury” that began Feb. 28.
The country’s remaining leadership announced that its retaliation would include strikes on regional energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which 20% of the world’s crude oil and natural gas passes through.
AAA also reported that spring break also brings a high demand in gas, which causes prices to rise.
When are gas prices going down?
Gas prices typically rise in spring and peak during summer travel season. That seasonal pattern alone suggests immediate relief is unlikely, especially when combined with the global economic instability.
President Donald Trump said March 26 that Iranian officials allowed 10 “big boats of oil” through the Strait of Hormuz as a show of good faith during backchannel negotiations with the United States, according to USA TODAY.
Why was gas so expensive in 2022?
It’s the first time that gas prices have soared past $4 in three years — when Russia invaded Ukraine resulting in prices briefly topping $5 per gallon.
Gas also spiked in August-October of 2023, but still remained under $4, according to a map released by AAA.
Lowest gas prices near me
You can search for the lowest gas prices near you by using the GasBuddy app.
In Texas, some of the cheapest gas can be found at Sam’s Club, Walmart and Costco, according to GasBuddy.
Sam’s Club gas hours
While hours can vary by location, most Sam’s Club gas stations open at 6 a.m. in Texas.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
