Gas prices in the United States have seen a significant rise, with the national average now at $4.53 per gallon, reflecting an increase of nearly 50 cents in just one month. This surge follows a period where prices had remained slightly above $4 since March, marking the first instance of prices exceeding $4 since 2022. The increase is largely driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has raised concerns about oil supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil transport where about 20% of the world's oil supply typically flows, has seen traffic come to a near halt due to these tensions. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, has indicated that if the situation persists and the Strait remains closed, gas prices could potentially rise above $5 per gallon. This would mirror the brief spike to $5.02 per gallon experienced in 2022 shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the volatile nature of gas prices in relation to international conflicts.