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US Gas Hits Four-Year Highs; Crude Up 58%

5/12/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

AAA Warns Fuel Surge

U.S. gas prices have hit four-year highs, with Florida at $4.50 per gallon and Pittsburgh near $4.91.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) says crude oil has risen 58% since February 2026, pushing pump prices up.
AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins warned the fuel market is volatile and hard to predict for summer.
In Tennessee a full tank now costs nearly $20 more than early 2026.

Summary

AAA Forecasts Travel

AAA projects a record 45 million Americans will travel during the Memorial Day weekend, the highest ever.
Indiana forecasts 878,000 drivers and 3.66 million flyers, with tickets about 6% cheaper at roughly $800.
Nationwide car-rental rates are 1% lower than last year, easing fuel-price pressure.
AAA advises drivers to check tires, batteries and fluids, move over for responders and name a sober driver after nearly 3,000 assistance calls.

History

Historical Context

After the 1973 embargo, the 1979 Iranian Revolution cut global output by roughly four percent, prompting President Carter to start deregulating domestic oil prices on April 5 1979; crude prices more than doubled within a year and spurred fuel-efficiency drives. Echoing that shock, the AAA’s 2026 alert warns that soaring crude costs are again inflating travel prices and demand.

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AAA Warns Fuel Surge

U.S. gas prices have hit four-year highs, with Florida at $4.50 per gallon and Pittsburgh near $4.91.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) says crude oil has risen 58% since February 2026, pushing pump prices up.
AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins warned the fuel market is volatile and hard to predict for summer.
In Tennessee a full tank now costs nearly $20 more than early 2026.

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