Gasoline Price in the U.S. Reaches 4-Year High; Analysts Warn of Further Increases

The United States is currently grappling with a significant spike in gasoline prices, with the average cost per gallon reaching its highest point in nearly four years. This alarming trend, which began in late February, has seen prices climb by $1.19 per gallon, a staggering increase of over 40%. The primary drivers behind this surge are the escalating energy costs and the geopolitical instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas supply. As reported by Reuters, citing data from the American Automobile Association, the average price hit $4.18 per gallon on Tuesday, marking the largest daily increase in a month.

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Prețul mediu al benzinei în Statele Unite a urcat la cel mai ridicat nivel din ultimii aproape patru ani, după declanșarea conflictului cu Iranul la finalul lunii februarie, potrivit datelor American Automobile Association, citate de Reuters.

From the perspective of Adevărul, this situation highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. economy to global energy market fluctuations and geopolitical tensions. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply transits, serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected global energy security is. Analysts are sounding the alarm, warning that consumers could face even steeper price hikes if crude oil prices remain elevated. This is further exacerbated by the fact that fuel retailers are absorbing a significant portion of the cost increases, leading to reduced profit margins.

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Prețul mediu a crescut marți cu 7 cenți, ajungând la 4,18 dolari pe galon (1 galon înseamnă 3,79 litri), cea mai mare creștere zilnică din ultima lună.

Adding to the complexity are issues within U.S. refineries. Unplanned outages in April alone accounted for approximately 150,000 barrels per day, with an additional 670,000 barrels per day shut down for maintenance. Major refineries, including those operated by Phillips 66, Marathon Petroleum, and BP, have been affected. This constrained supply, particularly in regions like the Midwest, is expected to drive prices even higher. The confluence of geopolitical risks, supply chain disruptions, and refinery problems paints a challenging picture for American consumers, who are already feeling the pinch at the pump. The situation underscores the need for stable energy policies and diversified supply sources to mitigate the impact of such price volatility.

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De la sfârșitul lunii februarie, benzina s-a scumpit cu 1,19 dolari pe galon, adică peste 40%.