Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
Local gas prices begin to spike from Iran conflict
Stacy Wescoe//March 4, 2026//
Listen to this articleLocal motorists, who dodged higher national gas prices earlier this week, sparked by the conflict with Iran, are now seeing a major spike.
Across Pennsylvania, the average price for a gallon of gas jumped nine cents over night, reaching $3.297 on March 4. The average price was $3.207 the day before and $3.127 one week ago.
In the Lehigh Valley, the average price for a regular gallon of gas spiked to $3.267 on March 4, up from $3.177 the day before and $3.090 one week ago.
However, the region is still faring better than the rest of the country when it comes to gas price increases.
According to AAA East Central, Wednesday’s national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.19, which is 20 cents more than Monday and 31 cents higher than a month ago.
The increase comes amid an increase in demand for gasoline and the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. On Tuesday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil ended the day at $74.56 per barrel after briefly hitting $77.33, a high that hasn’t been seen since in more than a year.
“Consumers should prepare in case gasoline prices rise even further,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA East Central. “At this point, all eyes are on crude oil, which accounts for 50 to 60 cents of each dollar you spend at the pump. Also, demand is increasing, and refineries are beginning their annual transition to summer blend gasoline, which are both trends that typically push prices higher in the spring.”
