Brace yourself, because the cost of filling up your tank is on the rise, and experts warn it could get even worse. Gasoline prices are climbing, both locally and nationwide, with some regions already seeing a nearly 9-cent jump in just the past week, according to GasBuddy (https://www.gasbuddy.com/). But here's where it gets concerning: analysts predict prices could surge by up to 30 cents per gallon in the coming months, driven by a perfect storm of seasonal trends and escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy's head of petroleum analysis, paints a sobering picture. He suggests that the recent price hikes are merely the tip of the iceberg. For instance, in the D.C. area, where prices currently average $3.14 per gallon, drivers could be paying closer to $3.50 by April or Memorial Day. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about seasonal shifts. The transition to summer-blend gasoline, increased demand as temperatures rise, and refinery maintenance all play a role—typically pushing prices up by more than 10 cents per gallon, depending on your location.
Nationally, regular unleaded gas is still about 22 cents cheaper than it was last year, but that gap is narrowing fast. In Maryland, the average price sits at $2.98 per gallon, while Virginia drivers are paying around $2.83 (https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=MD, https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=VA). Yet, the real wildcard here is geopolitics. The U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf and the potential for conflict with Iran—a major oil producer—could disrupt global oil supplies, sending prices soaring.
Here’s the controversial part: While seasonal factors are predictable, the impact of geopolitical tensions is far less certain. De Haan notes that oil prices have already hit their highest point since last summer, reaching $67 per barrel, largely due to U.S.-Iran tensions. But how much of this price hike is truly tied to global politics? And could this be a temporary spike or the new normal? These questions remain unanswered, leaving consumers in a state of uncertainty.
Historically, late winter and spring see gas prices rise by 25 to 65 cents per gallon, so we're likely just at the beginning of this upward trend. Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, now might be the time to rethink your budget. What do you think? Are these price hikes justified, or is there more to the story? Let us know in the comments below.
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© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Article by Dan Ronan (https://wtop.com/author/dan-ronan/), an award-winning journalist specializing in business and finance reporting.
