Gas prices are soaring across the United States, with stark differences between regions. In parts of California, drivers are paying more than seven dollars a gallon, while some areas of Oklahoma remain below four dollars. The disparities reflect refinery locations, transportation costs, state taxes and regulations, and local competition. California faces especially high prices because of refinery closures and its use of a special cleaner-burning fuel blend.

The burden is falling hardest on lower-income Americans. While wealthier drivers are spending more without significantly reducing consumption, poorer households are cutting back, driving less, or turning to carpooling and public transportation. Gig workers such as ride-share drivers say their fuel costs have nearly doubled, sharply reducing their daily earnings.

Global supply disruptions are compounding the strain. Oil shipments face long, complex journeys from the Middle East to refineries and gas stations, a process that can take about a month under normal conditions. With shipping routes disrupted by conflict and blockades, relief may be months away. As prices climb, political leaders once again face blame, reviving familiar debates over responsibility for high fuel costs.