Prices around the city today averaged $4.21, according to GasBuddy, ranging from $4.159 at Circle K and QuikTrip to $4.399 at Farmers Convenience on Papago Road and $4.499 at Chevron on John Wayne Parkway.

The average price in metro Phoenix was $4.593, according to AAA, up $1.33 from $3.262 a month ago.

In Pinal County, the average was lower at $4.102.

Nationally, the average price today was $3.79 per gallon, up 87 cents from $2.92 a month ago, a less dramatic increase than what Arizona drivers have seen.

Only a few regions of the country are posting higher prices than the Southwest, with California and parts of the Pacific Northwest approaching $6 per gallon.

“Consumers continue to feel the sting of rising oil, gasoline and diesel costs as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated, pushing gasoline prices to their highest levels in years while diesel could soon approach the $5-per-gallon mark nationally,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told InMaricopa Tuesday.

AAA also pointed to seasonal demand as a factor in the latest jump.

“Gasoline demand increases this time of year as the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road,” according to a statement from the motor club. “Crude oil prices play a major role in what drivers pay at the pump, and prices have surpassed the $100/barrel mark multiple times in recent days.”

Even with the recent spike, Arizona has not yet reached its all-time high average. According to AAA, the highest statewide average on record came June 15, 2022, when gas hit $5.688 per gallon.

Still, experts warn prices are likely to keep climbing as the ongoing war involving Iran continues to disrupt global oil supply and shipping routes. The conflict has already rattled energy markets, with fighting and attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, sharply reducing tanker traffic and pushing crude prices above $100 per barrel.

“Until we see a meaningful resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, upward pressure on fuel prices is likely to persist,” De Haan said.

At the same time, seasonal forces are beginning to intensify as several regions complete the transition to summer gasoline, creating a double headwind that could continue driving pump prices higher in the weeks ahead, the petroleum analyst said.