US gasoline futures eased to around $3.35 a gallon after reaching $3.45 earlier in the session, but remained elevated as the Middle East conflict continued. Iran warned of counterstrikes if the US maintained military pressure, while Iran-backed Houthis advanced control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure also reduced refined fuel output. The IEA (International Energy Agency) lowered its global oil demand outlook amid reduced supply and higher refined-product prices. US gasoline inventories increased by 1.269 million barrels in the week ending September 4, according to EIA data, even as fuel production declined while refineries operated near full capacity. Higher refining margins encouraged efforts to maximize production, although the broader oil system remained constrained. AAA said the average US national regular gasoline price climbed to $4.3 a gallon on September 11.