Mar 5, 2026 - News
Phoenix gas prices surge amid Iran war
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Gas prices are jumping in Phoenix and nationwide as oil prices spike following the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran.
Why it matters: Gas price increases have an immediate effect on Americans' pocketbooks and mood about the economy.
The latest: The average price per gallon was almost $3.67 in the Phoenix-Mesa metro area yesterday, according to AAA.
- That's up from $3.44 a week ago and $3.15 a month ago.
Zoom out: Prices have seen a similar jump nationwide.
- The average U.S. price-per-gallon climbed 11 cents on Monday, the biggest single-day spike since March 4, 2022, according to GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan.
Flashback: Gas prices were already climbing before the Iran war began over the weekend.
- Prices typically trend up in the spring as refineries switch to a pricier summer-blend gasoline and spring break travel drives demand, AAA said in late February.
What we're watching: Tom Kloza, a longtime oil analyst now working for Gulf Oil, tells Axios that he expects the national average price to reach a high of $3.25 to $3.50 in the coming weeks.
- Prices will jump even higher in the western U.S., he predicts.