Full Breakdown
U.S. Gas Prices Surge Vary Widely Since Iran War
6/10/2026, 8:59:22 AM
Nationwide Price Increase Overview
A recent NBC News analysis of average gasoline price data compiled by the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows that retail gasoline prices have risen across the United States since the start of the Iran war. The analysis, which updates a county-level map daily, quantifies the change in price per gallon for each county relative to the pre-war baseline.
Overall, the analysis indicates that gasoline prices have risen in every surveyed county since the war began, though the degree of increase differs markedly. The highest national average increase is observed in Illinois, while Georgia records one of the lowest state-level gains, reflecting the impact of its temporary tax suspension.
Historical Context: Iran War and Fuel Markets
The price changes reported are measured against the price level at the onset of the Iran war. The conflict has been identified as the reference point for the observed shifts in gasoline costs, though the analysis does not attribute causality beyond this temporal marker. The data set spans all U.S. counties and reflects the cumulative effect of market dynamics since that date.
County and State-Level Price Data
Highest County Increase: Kingsbury County, South Dakota
Kingsbury County recorded the steepest county-level increase, with the average price reaching $4.57 per gallon on Thursday. This represents an 87 percent rise from the pre-war price and an absolute increase of $2.13 per gallon.
Modest County Increase: Whitley County, Indiana
In contrast, Whitley County, Indiana—home to approximately 34,000 residents—experienced a comparatively modest rise of $0.73 per gallon over the same period.
State-Level Extremes: Illinois and Georgia
State-wide averages also vary markedly. Illinois posted the largest state-level increase, with the average price up $1.84 per gallon. Georgia recorded the second-lowest state-level increase at $1.18 per gallon. The lower increase in Georgia follows the state’s suspension of its 33-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax in mid-March, a policy change noted in the analysis.
Economic Implications for Consumers
The divergent price movements translate into differing cost pressures for motorists depending on location. In counties such as Kingsbury, the near-doubling of the per-gallon price implies a substantial increase in monthly fuel expenditures for drivers. Conversely, motorists in counties with smaller price adjustments, such as Whitley, face a relatively modest impact. State tax policies, exemplified by Georgia’s temporary tax suspension, appear to mitigate price growth in certain jurisdictions.
Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
The NBC News map, which visualizes county-level price changes, is refreshed daily to reflect the latest AAA data. Continued monitoring will capture further fluctuations as the market responds to the evolving geopolitical environment and any additional policy actions at the state level.
