Gas prices are sky-high and drivers are feeling the pain at the pump. Today's AAA national average gas price stands at $4.27 a gallon. Fuel costs are significantly higher in some western states. Drivers who own full-size pickup trucks and large SUVs can easily spend more than $100 on a tank of gas.
Why are gas prices so high?
The main reason gas prices are surging this week is the Iran war. The war has disrupted transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a Middle Eastern waterway used for transporting a large percentage of the world's petroleum.
Since war erupted in the region, there's an international supply bottleneck that has driven gas prices to historical highs in America. Californians are paying $5.89 a gallon today. Prices in states known for cheaper gas, like Texas, have
hit $3.83 a gallon.
The national average cost for a gallon of gas stood at $3.38 a gallon in August 2024 under former President Joe Biden, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
National average gas prices were $3.19 a gallon a year ago under President Donald Trump, says AAA.com. The current average price for diesel is a whopping $5.97, a historic high. Though diesel isn't as popular as regular gasoline, thousands of drivers still rely on it for their pickup trucks and full-size SUVs.
Hybrid vehicles are becoming more attractive as gas prices surge
A survey from Cars.com found that 52% of shoppers are considering battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Gas prices are so high that they're forcing many consumers to consider alternative powertrains.
Affordable standard hybrid models like the Toyota Camry ($29,600) are especially attractive because of their exceptional fuel economy. The new Camry achieves an incredible 51 miles per gallon combined, making it the most efficient midsize sedan on the market in 2026.
Hybrid family SUVs like the RAV4 and Honda CR-V Hybrid are also getting plenty of attention from car buyers. They're still affordable despite having complex powertrains that boost power and efficiency.
Should you consider a hybrid car in 2026?
If you're shopping for a new car, truck or SUV in 2026, hybrid models are worth strong consideration. These vehicles utilize electric motors to burn less fuel through internal combustion and drive power to move wheels with electrical energy.
Automakers like Toyota have refined their hybrid powertrain systems over the years to ensure that vehicles can travel incredibly long distances on a single tank of gas. If you value stellar gas mileage and want to combat high gas prices, popular hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Camry, RAV4, Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid and more can provide serious value for the money.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why are gas prices so high this week? Explaining the historic rise.
