U.S. gasoline prices have turned higher again, with the national average reaching $4.06 per gallon, according to AAA, an unusually elevated level for late August when prices typically begin easing after summer. Petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said gasoline has never been this expensive this late into August, and he linked the renewed pressure largely to international conflicts. He said the Iran War has kept upward pressure on gasoline prices, while Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refining infrastructure have hit diesel even harder by disrupting refined product markets more than crude oil itself. The squeeze matters beyond passenger vehicles because diesel remains a key fuel for freight, construction and agriculture. The Department of Energy said more than 7 million registered light-duty vehicles used diesel in 2025, versus about 5.7 million electric vehicles, while the Energy Information Administration said diesel accounts for about 22% of energy consumption in the transportation sector. AAA figures show regular gasoline topping $5 per gallon in California, Hawaii and Washington, while diesel is approaching $7 per gallon in some states. De Haan said a seasonal switch to cheaper winter-blend gasoline could offer some relief next month, but warned that a closed Strait and ongoing refinery strikes continue to tilt both gasoline and diesel prices upward.