Gas Prices Skyrocket, Hitting $4.20 Average

0:00It's March 31st, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Vancouver News today. Local news powered by AI. U.S. gas prices just broke past $4 a gallon on average for the first time since 2022. Tribal A reports the national average for regular gas hit $4.02, Tuesday, more than a dollar higher than before the U.S. and Israel. Kicked off their war against Iran on February 28th. Crude oil prices have shot up too, with both Brent and U.S. benchmarks topping $100 a barrel from around 70 bucks pre-war. Supply chains in the Middle East are messed up bad, and state prices vary wild. California is a nearly $5.89 while Oklahoma's just $3.27. Folks are feeling the pinch hard, shelling out hundreds of millions extra daily on fuel, which hits the wallet and the whole economy. That means pricier groceries, shipping, even utility bills, as truckers and trains burn more expensive diesel, fueling inflation worries.

1:01To fight back, the international energy agencies tapping 400 million barrels from emergency reserves, including U.S. stocks. The Trump team's easing sanctions on Venezuela and Russia oil, plus waving the Jones Act for 60 days to speed shipping, though refineries lag on, cheaper crude. If the Strait of Hormuz stays choked, analysts warn we could see $4.50 or push toward the $5 peak from 2022. U.S. exports oil, but still ties into global swings, so keep filling up smart while this