Price jumps at the pump

Gas prices are on the rise, but not as much in Alabama as in other parts of the country, per AAA.

Why it matters: We've got places to go.

How it works: Market instability stemming from the war in Iran has caused gas prices to jump, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed and supply disruptions rattle global oil markets.

The big picture: The national average for a gallon of gas March 5 was $3.21; on March 13 it was $3.59 and on March 17, $3.79, per AAA.

• California is seeing the highest average price per gallon, at $5.54 as of March 17, followed by Nevada at $4.60 and Oregon at $4.54.
• The cheapest gas was in Montana and Louisiana at $3.44, South Carolina at $3.47 and Texas at $3.48.

Zoom in: Prices have fared better than the average closer to home, with the average price per gallon in Alabama yesterday at $3.49 per gallon.

• In Huntsville, AAA says the average gallon of regular gas yesterday cost $3.47, up from $3.41 the day before, $3.11 a week before, and $2.63 a month before.
• Diesel in Huntsville was at $4.90 a gallon March 17, up from $4.55 a week before and $3.33 a month before.