Story perspectives

Memorial Day Travel Up, Gas $4.51, Hormuz Tensions Loom

5/26/2026

Summary

Drivers Face Gas

About 45 million U.S. drivers traveled for Memorial Day as regular-gas hit a four-year high of $4.51 per gallon.
State prices ranged from $4.05 in Waco, Texas to $5.27 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with AAA reporting a 42 % fuel cost rise that added $2 billion to holiday travel costs.
Experts warned that Strait of Hormuz tensions could keep gasoline prices unstable through summer, prompting travelers to shorten trips or stay nearer home.

Summary

Trump Gas Deal

President Donald Trump said a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is “negotiated,” posting it on Truth Social.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only 35 percent approve of Trump’s performance as gas prices hover near $4.50 per gallon.
JD Power found 87 percent of Americans worry everyday-item costs will rise while gasoline stays above $4 a gallon.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) called Trump’s high gas prices “emptying wallets and ruining families’ plans” on X.
Mark Schieldrop (senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast) said oil flow could return in about 18 weeks after the Strait reopens, with price relief in six months.

History

Historical Context

After U.S. production peaked in 1970 and imports rose, OAPEC announced an oil embargo in October 1973 to punish American support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Gasoline prices jumped 43 % from 38.5 ¢ to 55.1 ¢ per gallon, prompting rationing and Nixon’s Project Independence. The 1973 shock set a precedent for today’s $4-plus per-gallon prices and renewed calls for diversified energy sources.

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Drivers Face Gas

About 45 million U.S. drivers traveled for Memorial Day as regular-gas hit a four-year high of $4.51 per gallon.
State prices ranged from $4.05 in Waco, Texas to $5.27 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with AAA reporting a 42 % fuel cost rise that added $2 billion to holiday travel costs.
Experts warned that Strait of Hormuz tensions could keep gasoline prices unstable through summer, prompting travelers to shorten trips or stay nearer home.

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