Gas prices climb in Maryland amid war with Iran

As the war with Iran rages, drivers in Maryland and across the country are feeling pain at the gas pumps.

The average price of gas in Maryland is $3.24 per gallon, as of Thursday, up 13 cents from Wednesday and 27 cents from a week ago, according to AAA.

Just a month ago, the average gas price in Maryland was at $2.99 per gallon.

“I knew I had to fill up today, so it didn’t surprise me when I got here,” said Harford County resident Kevin Langenfelder.

Many drivers on social media told WJZ their gas stations had gas prices increase by as much as 40 to 50 cents per gallon this week.

The average cost nationwide for gas jumped to $3.25 per gallon on Thursday, which had been at $3.19 on Wednesday. Last year at this time, the national average for gas was $3.10.

“Outrageous. It’s ridiculous, especially where we’re at right now,” said Harford County resident Dayvon Smith. “There’s already a lot of stuff, apartment prices are already high on top of gas prices, making it worse.”

Why are gas prices soaring?

Prices at the pumps are being affected by oil prices surging amid disruptions to global shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that connects to the Persian Gulf and handles 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Joshua Shifrinson, who teaches international policy at the University of Maryland, said the route has virtually shut down because some of Iran’s retaliatory attacks have been aimed at oil vessels, which means Americans should brace for higher prices.

“There still may be enough supply, but we’re gonna see markets speculate on this, and that’s going to cause the price of gas and heating oil in the U.S. to grow,” Shifrinson said.

Since the conflict between the US and Iran started, the price of crude oil has risen to $76 per barrel, according to AAA. Iran is one of the world leaders in crude oil production, which is directly correlated to 60% of what consumers pay at the pump, according to AAA.

“While we don’t predict gas prices and what they may do, it’s certainly a fluid situation, and we know that if the price of crude oil continues to rise, it is quite likely that we will see gas prices follow suit,” said Ragina Ali, a spokesperson for AAA.

‘I have to be out on the road’

Drivers say no matter what gas costs, they still have to use their cars to get to work and make a living.

“Unfortunately, I’m in sales, and no matter what I do, I have to be out on the road,” Langenfelder said.

“I put like $10 in my tank and try to not to drive,” Smith said. “When I drive, I just try to make it short.”

AAA recommends making sure your tires are fully inflated, driving 5 to 10 mph slower on the highway and carpooling if possible to avoid high costs at the pump.

WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner. See the original story.