$4.09 Gas Prices Stagnant as Crude Oil Instability Lingers

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline remains steady at $4.09, according to AAA's latest report.

This stability in gas prices is offset by the ongoing uncertainty in crude oil markets, with prices hovering around $80 per barrel along the Strait of Hormuz.

Compared to last year, gas prices are nearly a dollar higher, which could prevent the typical seasonal decrease in prices that usually occurs in August as summer road trips wind down and families settle into fall routines.

Crude oil inventories decreased by 7.2 million barrels from the previous week, with U.S. stocks sitting at 404.5 million barrels - about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.