Gas prices in San Diego surged to $5.95 a gallon on Tuesday — inching toward the $6 mark — as the U.S. national average crossed $4 for the first time since 2022, according to motor club AAA. The statewide California average reached $5.88, with San Diego among the priciest markets in the nation.

The dramatic rise is directly tied to the Iran war, which began when the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Feb. 28. Iran's subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil flows — has choked global supply and sent crude oil past $107 a barrel, up more than 45% since the conflict began.

For East County commuters, the impact is real and immediate. A 15-gallon fill-up that cost around $75 before the war now runs over $89 in San Diego. Diesel, which fuels most delivery and freight trucks, hit $7.45 a gallon statewide — up from $5.10 just a month ago. That cost will trickle into grocery store shelves and everything that arrives by truck.

Analysts warn the situation could worsen. If the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and the war continues, the national average could climb toward $4.50 or even approach the record $5 set in 2022, according to GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan. The International Energy Agency has pledged to release 400 million barrels from emergency stockpiles to provide some relief, but prices remain elevated.

A recent AP-NORC poll found 45% of U.S. adults are "extremely" or "very" concerned about affording gas in the coming months — up from 30% when Trump won the 2024 election. Santee and East County residents commuting to San Diego or farther north face some of the steepest daily fuel costs in the state. Source: NBC 7 San Diego and Associated Press.