Gas prices are beginning to spike just days into the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, with the nationwide average already up 11 cents per gallon overnight, according to AAA.
On Tuesday, the average price per gallon in the U.S. is $3.11. While gas prices across the Delaware Valley mostly remain under the national average, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware all saw an increase at the pump overnight.
Here’s a look at average gas prices (per gallon) around the region for March 3, according to AAA:
Pennsylvania gas prices
State average: $3.20, up 8 cents overnight and up 7 cents in the last week
Philadelphia 5-county area: $3.11, up 9 cents overnight and up 9 cents in the last week
New Jersey gas prices
State: $2.98, up 7 cents overnight and up 6 cents in the last week
South Jersey: $2.98, up 10 cents overnight and up 10 cents in the last week
Delaware gas prices
State: $3.01, up 13 cents overnight and up 6 cents in the last week
Dover: $3.02, up 14 cents overnight and up 7 cents in the last week
What’s causing gas prices to go up?
Experts warned that crude oil and gas prices could tick up not long after the United States and Israel carried out joint missile attacks on Iran.
According to AAA, 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is bordered by Iran and connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and then the Arabian Sea.
Though there’s no physical blockade on the Straight of Hormuz, oil tankers have stopped using the waterway because of threats from Iran, putting pressure on other oil-producing regions and driving prices up.
The price of crude oil – which is used to make gasoline – is above $70 a barrel this week, AAA said.Â