U.S. gas prices are at an all-time high above $4 a gallon for the first time since 2008 as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate.
The national average per gallon of gasoline is $4.06, according to the AAA, up 45 cents more than a week ago, 62 cents more than a month ago and $1.30 more than a year ago.
According to the website, the national average has not been this high since July 2008.
States such as California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii are seeing staggering prices, currently ranging from $4.23 to $5.34.
Increasing gas demand and shrinking overall supply are pushing up pump prices in the United States, according to the AAA.
However, according to GasBuddy head of oil analysis Patrick De Haan, the situation for US consumers could worsen. “Forget the $4/gallon mark, the country will soon set a new all-time high and we can get closer to the $4.50/gallon national average,” he said.
“California could cost $5.50 a gallon and other stations would charge $6 and up,” De Haan added in a statement.
“We have never been in a situation like this before, with this level of uncertainty. As we lose a major global producer under the weight of deserving bipartisan sanctions for invading a sovereign country, the cost is high. prices have been going up for quite some time and there is no good news coming,” he said.
The increase in gas prices comes amid fears that a possible ban on Russian oil imports could lead to further price increases in the US. The White House has imposed a series of tough sanctions against Russia, but has so far allowed Russian energy imports.
Here are the most expensive states on gas as of Monday: