Gas price volatility prompts budgeting advice from experts
7 reported
According to a single-source report from NPR, U.S. gas prices have been highly unpredictable this year, with the national average for regular unleaded at $3.85 per gallon on July 9, 2026, as reported by AAA. The year saw a peak of $4.56 in May and a low of $2.79 in January. The article attributes the volatility to the U.S. and Israel launching a war on Iran, which disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with prices rising when fighting rekindles and falling when peace talks resume. Drivers are uncertain about future prices, contributing to stress, said accredited financial counselor Emily Blain. Experts cited in the article note that such price swings can influence consumer behavior, with data from the app Upside showing drivers visited gas stations more often but bought less fuel when prices rose in March. Financial experts recommend strategies such as budgeting for higher prices, shopping around for the best price, and reducing gas usage to manage the impact.
What’s reported
On July 9, 2026, the U.S. average for regular unleaded gas was $3.85 per gallon, according to AAA.
The 2026 peak was $4.56 in May; the low was $2.79 in January.
The article states oil prices spiked after the U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Prices go up when fighting rekindles or the strait is closed, and drop when peace talks resume; they climbed again after Trump said the ceasefire was over.
Data from the app Upside found that when gas prices rose in the first two and a half weeks of March, drivers visited gas stations more often but bought less fuel each time.
NerdWallet found a $0.50-per-gallon spike could cost drivers in some states around $500 more per year.
Experts cited include Emily Blain (accredited financial counselor), Thomas Weinandy (Upside principal research economist), Lauren Swift (senior editor for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book), and Kimberly Palmer (personal finance expert at NerdWallet).
Key figures
Emily Blain, accredited financial counselor in Minnesota
Thomas Weinandy, principal research economist at Upside
Lauren Swift, senior editor for Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book
Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet
Sources: NPR
