Fuel shock in US: These 20 states see the fastest gas price increase amid Hormuz crisis and war with Iran

The latest surge in prices reportedly mark the first time since 2023 that gas costs have crossed the $3 mark in all 50 states

Published31 Mar 2026, 08:50 PM IST

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: A customer pumps gas at an Exxon gas station near the U.S. Capitol Building on March 31, 2026 in Washington, DC. The national average of one gallon of gas has risen to roughly $4.02 amid the ongoing war with Iran. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Andrew Harnik / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)**(Getty Images via AFP)**

Fuel prices have been climbing sharply across the US ever since its conflict with Iran erupted at the end of February. Multiple states have already breached the $4 per gallon mark, while others are not far behind, hovering at $3.65 or more. California tops the list when it comes to gas prices—where the costs averaged a steep $5.88 per gallon on March 30, as per a report by Business Insider.

The latest surge in prices mark the first time since 2023 that gas has crossed the $3 mark in all 50 states, mentioned the report.

The analysis of AAA data comparing prices on March 30 with those from a month earlier shows that in at least 20 states, price hikes are rising even faster than the national average—highlighting the growing strain on consumers.

Why the surge in prices

The surge in gas prices comes after US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, sending global oil markets into a spin. The conflict has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route that connects other nations with the rich Persian Gulf.

According to AAA’s Fuel Price Tracker, gas prices across the US have jumped by over 30% in just a month, mentioned a report by CNBC – citing the data.

States where gas prices are rising the fastest

Here's the full list of states, where the gas prices are rising the fastest, as per Business Insider's analysis:

State	Average Gas Price ($/gallon)	Increase in %	Area with Highest Prices
Utah	4.20	52.4	St George metro area
Idaho	4.26	43.4	Twin Falls metro
Indiana	3.99	41.7	Michigan City-La Porte metro area
Tennessee	3.63	41.7	Memphis metro area
Arizona	4.68	41.3	Phoenix
Ohio	3.82	35.9	Columbus metro area
Kentucky	3.72	40.8	Bowling Green metro area
Virginia	3.89	38	Washington, DC metro area
Illinois	4.21	37.8	Chicago
Colorado	3.90	36	Glenwood Springs
Wyoming	3.83	39.7	Cheyenne
New Mexico	3.86	39.9	Farmington metro area
South Carolina	3.65	36.7	Sumter
North Carolina	3.76	36.5	Wilmington metro area
Alabama	3.65	37.7	Montgomery metro area
Texas	3.61	39	El Paso
Louisiana	3.61	40.8	Houma-Thibodaux
Maryland	4.01	36.2	Washington, DC metro area
Mississippi	3.58	41.1	South Haven-Olive Branch metro area

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