Iran war leaves U.S. gas prices at highest levels in nearly four years ahead of Memorial Day

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Published 5/22/2026, 3:26:23 PM · Updated 5/22/2026, 5:46:14 PMBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team

Iran war leaves U.S. gas prices at highest levels in nearly four years ahead of Memorial Day

Key points

  • U.S. drivers will pay gasoline prices near four-year highs when they fuel up for travel over the long Memorial Day weekend and should expect more pain at the pump this summer if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen.
  • The average gasoline price stood at $4.55 per gallon on Friday, an increase of more than 50% since the U.S. and Israel began the war with Iran on Feb.
  • 28, according to AAA.
  • It is the most drivers have paid on the Friday before Memorial Day since 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
  • Prices dipped slightly from Thursday when drivers paid the most on average since July 2022. Prices at the pump have surged as U.S. crude oil prices have spiked more than 40% from prewar levels due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Quick context: drivers will pay gasoline prices near four-year highs when they fuel up for travel over the long Memorial Day weekend and should expect more pain at the pump this summer if the Strait of...

Published May 22, 2026.


📌 Source: CNBC

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