Trending Now - Gas Prices Surge Ahead of Memorial Day: Tips to Save Fuel
WHO:
ABC News - Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA travel
NPR - Gov. Gavin Newsom of California
NPR - Patrick De Haan, petroleum analyst at GasBuddy
NPR - Janelle London, co-executive director of Coltura
NPR - Jerick White, Houston resident
NPR - Julie and Vince Rossi, RV travelers
WHAT:
ABC News - Gas prices are near their highest level in four years, with the national average at $4.55, a 42% increase from the previous year.
ABC News - Americans are expected to spend about $2 billion more on gasoline over the four-day Memorial Day weekend compared to a year ago, which amounts to roughly $22 million per hour.
ABC News - Nineteen states, including Colorado, Ohio, Missouri, and New Mexico, are expected to post record-high Memorial Day gas prices.
NPR - AAA estimates a record 45 million Americans will travel this weekend, despite high gasoline prices.
NY Post - Americans have spent an additional $45 billion on fuel since the war in Iran began on February 28.
ABC News - The national average for a gallon of gas is $4.55, a 42% increase from the previous year.
ABC News - Six states have average gas prices above $5, with California at $6.13.
ABC News - Approximately 39 million people are expected to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend.
ABC News - Americans will spend about $2 billion more on gasoline over the Memorial Day weekend compared to the previous year.
ABC News - Nineteen states are expected to post record-high Memorial Day gas prices.
NPR - AAA estimates a record 45 million Americans will travel during the weekend.
NPR - An average driver can save $1,800 a year by switching to an electric vehicle.
WHERE:
ABC News - California has the highest gas prices in the nation.
ABC News - The U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures price is a benchmark for U.S. oil prices.
NPR - Chevron moved its headquarters out of California in 2024.
WHEN:
ABC News - The U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures price has soared 50% since the outbreak of war on February 28.
NPR - The abrupt end of a $7,500 federal consumer tax credit occurred last fall.
WHY:
ABC News - The surge in gas prices is attributed to the Iran war, which has disrupted global oil supply, particularly after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
ABC News - The surge in gas prices is attributed to the Iran war, which has disrupted global oil supply.
ABC News - The Middle East conflict has triggered a historic oil shortage, driving up crude prices.
NPR - High gasoline prices are angering voters and straining household budgets.
HOW:
ABC News - Gasoline prices may drop over the weekend, potentially falling to an average below $4.50 by Memorial Day due to hopes of a resumption of normal tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
ABC News - Gas prices are influenced by global market conditions, as the U.S. is a net exporter of petroleum.
NPR - Drivers can save on gas by driving efficiently, such as smooth acceleration and maintaining tire pressure.
(UPDATED May 22, 2026 19:29 UTC)
Gas prices are nearing their highest level in four years, with the national average hitting $4.55, a significant 42% increase from last year. Despite these soaring prices, AAA estimates that a record 45 million Americans will travel over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, leading to an expected additional $2 billion in gasoline spending compared to last year. However, there is some hope for relief, as prices may dip below $4.50 by Memorial Day, thanks to expectations of resumed normal tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
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(UPDATED May 22, 2026 17:37 UTC)
The national average for a gallon of gas has reached $4.55, marking a significant 42% increase from last year, with six states, including California, where prices hit $6.13. As Memorial Day weekend approaches, approximately 45 million Americans are expected to travel by car, leading to an estimated $2 billion increase in gasoline spending compared to the previous year, and nineteen states are projected to set record-high gas prices. The surge in prices is largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply and angered voters as household budgets feel the strain.