Archive · 18 Sep 2026
US Gas Prices Near Yearly Peak Before 2026 Midterms
Gasoline in the United States is becoming much more expensive.
The average price was about $4.46 per gallon on September 18.
That is close to the highest price recorded this year.
California had the most expensive gas among the states mentioned, at about $6.11 per gallon.
Oil prices have risen because fighting involving the United States, Israel and Iran has disrupted energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for oil shipments, and uncertainty there could keep prices high.
Diesel, which is used by trucks and farms, has also become more expensive.
These higher fuel costs could affect the cost-of-living debate before the 2026 midterm elections.
Donald Trump has promised that gasoline could eventually fall below $2 per gallon, but current market conditions are providing little immediate relief.
The national average for regular gasoline reached about $4.46 per gallon on September 18, just below the 2026 high of $4.56.
Gas prices have risen nearly 50% from levels recorded before the Iran conflict began, according to AAA figures cited in the report.
California had the highest average at about $6.11 per gallon, while several other states approached $5.
Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel as conflict-related disruptions and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz raised supply concerns.
Diesel prices reached roughly $6.40-$6.44 per gallon, adding pressure on trucking, agriculture and other industries ahead of the midterm elections.
- Who
- American consumers, President Donald Trump, and energy markets affected by conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
- What
- US gasoline and diesel prices are nearing or reaching their highest levels of the year.
- When
- September 17-18, ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.
- Where
- Across the United States, with California reporting the highest average among the states mentioned.
- Why
- Crude oil prices have risen amid conflict-related disruptions and uncertainty about energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Political assurances
Market risks
Near-term fuel-price outlook
Political assurances
Donald Trump has said oil prices would fall sharply after the election and has pledged that gasoline could eventually drop below $2 per gallon.
Market risks
Current market conditions offer little immediate relief, with crude prices elevated and continued disruption potentially keeping gasoline and refined-fuel prices high.
- Regular gasoline average
- About $4.46 per gallon on September 18.
- 2026 gasoline high
- $4.56 per gallon, recorded on May 21.
- Previous record
- Roughly $5.01 per gallon in June 2022.
- Highest state average mentioned
- California, at about $6.11 per gallon.
- Brent crude
- Recently moved above $100 per barrel.
- Diesel average
- About $6.40-$6.44 per gallon, depending on the day's data.
- Political context
- Higher fuel prices are becoming part of the cost-of-living debate before the 2026 midterm elections.