The American Automobile Association has reported that the price of gas is rising - despite the fact that September is generally a time of year during which prices fall due to decreased gasoline demand.
As reported by USA TODAY on Sept. 11, Iran and allies have continued to ramp up operations to disrupt major oil shipping lanes in the Middle East on which much of the world relies.
In response to President Donald Trump and Israel's Feb. 28 attacks on the nation, Iranian forces disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran's coast and the Arabian Peninsula. Gas prices have fluctuated since, with the cost of a gallon of gasoline consistently above average for months on end in the months since this response.
USA TODAY reported that Iran's
southern allies moved to shut down the Bab el-Mendeb Strait, another major channel in the region. Yemen-based Houthi militia announced Sept. 11 that they had seized Perim Island, a strategic isle that will allow them to control the Bab el-Mandeb.
Here's what to know about gas prices in North Carolina and throughout the nation amidst these operations.
Are gas prices rising again in North Carolina? When will gas prices go down?
According to AAA's most recent report issued Sept. 10, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline had gone up 13 cents since the previous week, with crude oil prices also continuing to climb. The report noted volatility in the Strait of Hormuz as a primary factor for rising crude oil prices, which are back in the $100 per barrel range for the first time since July 2026.
The report also noted that the national average cost of gas is increasing during a season when gas prices typically go down due to lower gasoline demand, with pump prices comparable to early June as of Sept. 10.
What is the average price of gas in North Carolina? In the U.S.?
In North Carolina on Sept. 15, the average price for regular gas was $4.03 per gallon, according to AAA. The average price of regular gas countrywide was $4.316 per gallon.
What are gas prices like in Asheville, Western NC?
In the Asheville area, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.0569 as of Sept. 15, according to AAA. One year ago on the same date, the price was $2.869, about $1.187 lower. Currently, the Asheville area ranks second for highest gas prices in the state.
Where are the lowest gas prices in NC? Highest gas prices in NC?
The Goldsboro area ranked lowest for gas prices in the state on Sept. 14, with the average cost for a gallon of regular gas placed at $3.924. The Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News area was home to the highest prices, with an average of $4.024 per gallon.
What states have the highest gas prices?
As of the Sept. 10 AAA report, the five most expensive gas markets in the U.S. included:
- No. 1 - California ($5.89)
- No. 2 - Washington ($5.53)
- No. 3 - Hawaii ($5.40)
- No. 4 - Oregon ($5.06)
- No. 5 - Alaska ($5.05)
What states have the lowest gas prices?
On the other end of the spectrum, the nation's least expensive gas can be found in the following states:
- No. 46 - Louisiana ($3.85)
- No. 47 - Kansas ($3.84)
- No. 48 - Texas ($3.83)
- No. 49 - Mississippi ($3.80)
- No. 50 - Indiana ($3.56)
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Gas prices jump in North Carolina. More increases expected to come
