Middle East Conflict Drives Gas Prices to Near-$4 Per Gallon

Gas prices have surged to nearly $4 per gallon in Tulsa as disruptions to oil supplies in the Middle East continue to push crude prices higher. The average price nationwide has climbed to about $4.32 per gallon, up roughly 15 cents in one week.

The increase is due to several major oil-shipping routes and infrastructure in the region remaining disrupted, including a Saudi pipeline damaged in a drone attack last week. The East-West pipeline is expected to remain out of service for weeks, according to AP.

The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily constrained, while Iran-backed Houthi forces have expanded their control around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another major shipping route.