Gas prices are climbing again, with some drivers paying nearly $4 per gallon as disruptions to oil supplies in the Middle East continue to push crude prices higher.
Regular gasoline was selling for about $3.99 per gallon at some Tulsa-area stations Tuesday morning. Nationwide, the average price has climbed to about $4.32 per gallon, up roughly 15 cents in one week.
The increase comes as several major oil-shipping routes and infrastructure in the Middle East remain disrupted.
Saudi pipeline remains offline
A major Saudi Arabian oil pipeline was damaged in a drone attack last week and is expected to remain out of service for weeks, according to The Associated Press.
The East-West pipeline is an important alternative route for moving Saudi oil when shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted.
The pipeline had helped keep some oil flowing out of the Middle East while tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was severely restricted during the war.
The pipeline shutdown comes as fighting and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea continue to affect global oil shipments.
CBS News reported Monday that Brent crude, the international benchmark, settled at $105.68 per barrel, while U.S. crude was around $101 per barrel.
More pressure on oil supplies
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.
The developments are adding pressure to global oil supplies and contributing to higher crude prices.
That increase eventually reaches consumers at the gas pump as oil makes up a significant portion of the cost of producing gasoline.
Diesel prices have also surged, with the national average reaching a record $6.25 per gallon.
Trump blames Ukraine attacks
President Donald Trump has blamed Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries for contributing to the diesel shortage and has urged Ukraine to stop targeting fuel infrastructure.
Trump also announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to halt attacks on energy assets, at least for now. Russia has not formally commented on the proposed agreement.
House Democratic leaders have instead blamed the rising energy costs on policies enacted by the Trump administration.
Oklahoma prices remain below national average
Despite the increase, Oklahoma remains among the states with the lowest gasoline prices in the country.
California has some of the nation’s highest prices, with gas topping $6 per gallon in some areas.
