MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) \u2014 Drivers across the country are feeling a sharp spike in gas prices as tensions tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran continue to disrupt global oil supply.<\/p>\n
The national average for a gallon of gas has climbed above $4.10, the first time in years prices have crossed that threshold. In the tri-state area, prices are matching or exceeding that mark, with some locations in Manhattan topping $6.99 per gallon.<\/p>\n
More Local News <\/a><\/p>\n At a gas station in Midtown, drivers said the rising costs are already taking a toll on their daily budgets. \u201cI pay $5.20, $5.29,\u201d one driver said.<\/p>\n Another added that what used to cost him around $15 a day has now jumped significantly. \u201cNow I pay like $25, $24, sometimes $34. \u201cIt\u2019s too expensive,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n In Hell\u2019s Kitchen, some drivers report even higher prices. One taxi driver said he recently saw gas priced at $7 per gallon. \u201cWe can do nothing. We gotta pay,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n According to AAA, the national average has surged dramatically in just weeks, jumping from about $2.99 last month.<\/p>\n Stay connected with community stories that matter: Visit our homepage <\/a><\/p>\n Experts say the spike is directly tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Roughly 20% of the world\u2019s oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, which is currently controlled by Iran and has been shut down since the conflict escalated.<\/p>\n Dr. Houman Sadri, an expert on Middle East affairs, said even though the United States produces much of its own oil, Americans are still impacted by global pricing. \u201cOil companies don\u2019t separate U.S. prices from international prices,\u201d Sadri explained. \u201cIf global prices go up, we feel it here.\u201d<\/p>\n Sadri warned that if current conditions continue, gas prices are likely to climb even higher. The situation has also drawn a strong response from Donald Trump, who has threatened increased military action if Iran does not reopen the waterway. In a social media post Sunday, Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face what he called \u201cliving in hell.\u201d<\/p>\n Sadri cautioned that escalating rhetoric could have unintended consequences, suggesting it may not be taken seriously by the Iranian leadership.<\/p>\n