U.S. gas prices surge since Iran war, with Iowa up nearly 70%
U.S. petrol prices have risen sharply across every state since the Iran war began on February 28, but the increase has been far from even, according to a map based on AAA fuel-price data through August 20.
Key points
- Iowa recorded the biggest increase at 69.1%
- California had the smallest rise at 21.8%
- Hormuz disruptions have kept oil prices high
U.S. petrol prices have risen sharply across every state since the Iran war began on February 28, but the increase has been far from even, according to a map based on AAA fuel-price data through August 20.
Iowa recorded the largest increase at 69.1%, followed by Oklahoma at 68.8% and Colorado at 62.2%. Minnesota and Wyoming were both up 61.8%.
At the other end, California recorded the smallest percentage increase at 21.8%, followed by Hawaii at 23.4% and Washington at 25.7%. Indiana, Oregon and Nevada were also among the states with smaller increases.
The percentages measure how much prices have changed since February 28, not which states currently have the most expensive petrol. A state that started with relatively cheap fuel can record a large percentage increase while still having lower pump prices than states such as California.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Top 5 Biggest Spenders On Lobbying
AAA reported that the national average for a gallon of regular petrol reached $4.10 on August 20, the highest ever recorded for that date. The average was also about 31% higher than a year earlier.
The rise has been closely linked to disruption in global oil markets following the conflict with Iran.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration said oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy routes, fell dramatically during the conflict. Crude oil and petroleum liquids moving through the strait averaged about 4.9 million barrels per day in the second quarter, down from 21.6 million in the final quarter of 2025.
Brent crude briefly reached $105 a barrel on July 23 after renewed attacks on tankers passing through Hormuz. The EIA said reduced shipments and falling global inventories were keeping oil prices elevated.
The effect has reached American drivers even as fuel demand has weakened. By August 24, the EIA put the national average for regular petrol at about $4.09 a gallon.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
