Gas prices in the United States are approaching $5 per gallon, with the national average hitting $4.48 on May 5, up from $4.17 just a week earlier on April 28, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Only nine states currently report gas prices below $4, reflecting a significant increase in fuel costs nationwide. Experts attribute the rising prices to ongoing global tensions, particularly between the US and Iran, which impact oil supply. Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy noted that while some Midwestern states like Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Wisconsin might experience minor price drops, the overall trend remains upward. The ten states with the cheapest gas prices as of May 5 are: Oklahoma ($3.89), Georgia ($3.91), Mississippi ($3.92), Louisiana ($3.92), Arkansas ($3.95), Nebraska ($3.97), Texas ($3.98), Kansas ($3.98), Alabama ($4.00), and Missouri ($4.04). Despite being among the cheapest, these states have all seen price increases compared to the previous week.