The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States has surged to $4.30, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), up from below $3 before the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28.

Prices have risen 27 cents in the past week alone, with California seeing costs exceed $6 per gallon. The spike is attributed to the deepening impasse over the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

President Donald Trump's administration has framed the price hike as a temporary sacrifice for the military campaign's goals. Trump claimed on Thursday that “as soon as the war is over, it’ll drop like a rock,” despite a ceasefire on April 8 failing to halt the increase.

AAA noted that oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, with no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. The national average is $1.12 higher than a year ago, marking the highest level in four years.

Iran has refused direct talks with the US until the blockade is lifted. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the situation of “no war, no peace” is intolerable, warning that Iran's patience is running out amid the ongoing siege.

Source: www.aljazeera.com