U.S. Gas Hits $4.56 Ahead of Memorial Day as Iran War Risks Push $5 Forecast

4 articles · Updated · Deseret News · May 20

$4.56 a gallon was the U.S. average for regular gasoline on Wednesday, up from $4.51 a week earlier and nearly $1.40 above a year ago, just before Memorial Day travel begins.
39.1 million Americans are expected to drive over the holiday weekend despite those prices, while AAA projects 45 million total travelers — a record for Memorial Day trips of at least 50 miles.
Iran war fallout is driving the latest increase: restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz and a failed U.S.-Iran diplomatic breakthrough have tightened supply fears, prompting GasBuddy's Patrick De Haan to warn prices could reach $5 next month.
Utah's average already stands at $4.70, with St. George at $4.80, and a new poll found 66% of Utah voters see gas prices as a major factor in summer travel decisions.
Higher fuel costs are reshaping plans more than canceling them outright: 44% of Utah respondents said they will take fewer trips, 22% expect shorter trips, and only 14% said they would likely cancel.

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