New york: The average gasoline price in the US climbed above $4 per gallon Tuesday for the first time since 2022 as fighting in the Middle East triggered a sharp rise in oil prices. Data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) showed the national average gasoline price rose to about $4.02 per gallon, up from $3.99 on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, it marked the first time since August 2022 that the average gasoline price in the US exceeded the $4 threshold. Gasoline prices in the US were up 1% from a week earlier, while rising nearly 35% compared to a month ago. On an annual basis, gasoline prices were also up about 27%.

Prices continued to vary across states due to differences in supply conditions and tax rates, with California posting the highest average at nearly $5.89 per gallon. California was followed by Hawaii at $5.45, Washington at $5.35, and Oregon and Nevada at $4.93. The average gasoline price stood above $4 per gallon in 12 states and Washington DC.

Meanwhile, the average diesel price in the US climbed to $5.45 per gallon, up 45% from a month earlier. The increase in fuel prices was driven by supply-chain disruptions and production cuts linked to tensions in the Middle East, which sharply pushed up global oil prices. The US average gasoline price last hit a record of about $5.02 per gallon in June 2022.