image sourced from original article at Gas prices across the United States are climbing sharply as the war with Iran disrupts global oil supplies, prompting drivers to share photos of soaring fill-up totals. The national average rose to $3.54 per gallon on Tuesday, with sharper increases in several western states. In California, the average price surpassed $5.29 per gallon, while some Los Angeles stations charged more than $8 per gallon.
The surge follows attacks and shipping threats that have effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which about one fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes. The disruption briefly pushed global crude prices to their highest level in four years, and although prices have eased slightly, they remain significantly elevated compared with levels before the conflict.
Oil producers in the Middle East have been forced to cut output as tankers avoid the region, worsening supply concerns. Major economies are now weighing the release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize markets, as analysts warn that a prolonged closure of the strait could trigger an unprecedented global energy crisis.
