Have gas prices gone up in Charlotte area since Iran conflict? What data shows
Gas prices in the Charlotte region have gone up 20 cents in the last week since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, according to AAA.
But fuel prices in Mecklenburg County have not gone up as high as other areas of North Carolina or the nation.
Drivers are paying an average of $2.99 per gallon in Mecklenburg County as of Wednesday, AAA data showed.
In the broader Charlotte region, gas prices are now at $2.98 per gallon. That’s up 20 cents from $2.78 last week.
Gas averages $2.98 in Lincoln, Cabarrus and Iredell counties, while gas costs $3.02 right now in Union County.
Catawba County is seeing an average fuel price of $2.94, and Gaston County is up to $2.92.
Conflict could cause oil supply issue
Gas costs $3 per gallon in North Carolina and $3.20 per gallon in the United States, according to AAA.
Iran is a major oil producer and the war could cause gas prices to skyrocket.
Because of the threat of Iran targeting oil supply ships in the Strait of Hormuz, many vessels have stayed away, The News & Observer reported. This is threatening the world’s oil supplies, 20% of which pass through the key waterway along Iran’s southern border in the Persian Gulf.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Tuesday that the U.S. will begin offering political risk insurance for any ships traveling through the strait.
“This will be available to all Shipping Lines,” Trump said. “If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible.”
