Oil prices spike as fighting between U.S. and Iran resumes, gasoline price jump likely to follow

Typically, gas prices don't respond immediately to changes in oil prices. It can take a few days before drivers see the impact at the pump.

Published: August 31, 2026 9:43am

Oil prices jumped Monday after the U.S. and Iran exchanged attacks for the first time in a month over the weekend. 

Gasoline prices were up less than a penny between Sunday and Monday, according to AAA. The average U.S. price per gallon was $4.08 on Monday, up very slightly from Sunday and down from $4.10 a week ago. 

Typically, gas prices don't respond immediately to changes in oil prices. It can take a few days before drivers see the impact at the pump, the New York Times reported

West Texas Intermediate futures, the American benchmark, climbed from $83.40 per barrel on Friday to $85.67 per barrel on Monday. Brent Crude prices, the European benchmark, were over $90 per barrel on Monday, up from $89.23 Sunday evening. 

Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management told the Associated Press that oil traders were starting to shave off some of the war premium from crude oil prices as the Middle East appeared to be settling. 

“Then Sunday arrived, with a reminder that quiet in the Strait of Hormuz is not the same as peace," he said. 

 

 

 

 

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