Why are gas prices so high? NC, US hit $4 as Iran war continues

Trump’s war in Iran continues to impact gas prices in NC and across the nation. So where are the highest and lowest gas prices in NC?

Several days ago, the national average price for a gallon of gas exceeded $4 for the first time since 2022 ― and the cost has only continued to rise in North Carolina and the U.S.

The American Automobile Association published an April 2 report on the rise, noting that the last time the national average exceeded $4 per gallon was in August 2022. At the time of the report, the national average was $4.08, 10 cents higher than one week before the report and $1.08 higher than one month before. The national average price has continued to rise since the report, resting at $4.119 as of April 6.

There are several reasons behind these changes, largely centered around continuing conflicts between the U.S. and Iran. No area of the nation is immune to these changes. In North Carolina, the statewide average price for a gallon of gas has risen nearly $1 since last year, and about 17 cents in the last week alone.

As conflict in the Middle East continues, here’s what to know about the price of gas in North Carolina and the U.S.

Opinion: North Carolina has a lot to lose in Trump’s already unpopular war in Iran

What is the average price of gas in North Carolina? In the U.S.?

In North Carolina on April 6, the average price for regular gas was $3.931 per gallon. Countrywide on April 6, the average price for regular gas was $4.119 per gallon, according to AAA.

What are gas prices like in Asheville, Western NC?

In the Asheville area, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $3.933 as of April 6, according to AAA. One year ago on the same date, the price was $2.901, about $1.03 lower.

Are gas prices rising in North Carolina? In the U.S.?

One week ago, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in North Carolina was $3.759, about 17 cents less than April 6 prices. One year ago, in 2025, the average in the Tar Heel State was $2.976, roughly 96 cents less expensive than April 6 prices.

As for countrywide prices, a gallon of gas cost around $3.99 one week ago, roughly 13 cents less than the price for a gallon on April 6. One year ago, the price was $3.258, roughly 86 cents less than today’s price.

Why are gas prices so high right now?

A news release published April 2 by AAA noted that the country’s average price for a gallon of gas had risen over $4 for the first time since August 2022. The release noted the main causes behind the jump as conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 20 million barrels of oil were transported through the Strait of Hormuz per day in 2024 – about 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. The EIA also noted that “very few” alternative options exist to move oil out of the strait if it is closed.

Where are the lowest gas prices in NC? Highest gas prices in NC?

Unlike in previous reports from the Asheville Citizen Times, the Asheville area is no longer home to the lowest gas prices in North Carolina. The Goldsboro area, where gas is averaging $3.862 per gallon as of April 6, is home to the new low. In fact, Asheville has climbed several places, ranking only No. 8 out of 15 N.C. regions listed by AAA.

The Durham-Chapel Hill area, however, remains home to the highest gas prices in the state, with an average price of $3.967 per gallon for regular gas on the same date.

Where are the lowest gas prices in the U.S.? Highest gas prices in the U.S.?

The recent AAA news release also provided a list of the nation’s most and least expensive gasoline markets as of April 6, with California ($5.89), Hawaii ($5.50) and Washington topping the list and Oklahoma ($3.27), Kansas ($3.33) and Nebraska ($3.42) at the bottom of the barrel for gas costs.

Reporting by Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times / Asheville Citizen Times

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect