Gas prices begin to spike again as Iran war intensifies

Gas prices have been rising steadily as the war with Iran intensified again this week, jumping another 5 cents overnight.

New data from AAA shows the average cost in North Carolina on Friday is $3.61, up 12 cents in the last wo days.

In Raleigh, the average is now $3.63, causing more anxiety at the gas pump for North Carolina drivers. The highest cost in our area is in Halifax County, at $3.70.

The national average is $3.84, according to AAA. Gas prices had been dropping steadily since late May following an interim ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran. The current averages are still lower than gas prices were when the war escalated in the spring when the national average peaked at $4.56 on May 21.

AAA compares the national average:

• Today’s national average: $3.846 

• One week ago: $3.838 

• One month ago: $4.161 

• One year ago: $3.163 

Gas prices often rise more quickly than they fall. Economists say that's because drivers pay less attention when prices are going down, so stations are under less pressure to cut costs.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said the ceasefire deal was effectively "over" after Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to waves of new U.S. airstrikes against Iran and Tehran targeting Gulf countries. The back-and-forth attacks this week have raised concerns about the future of the ceasefire and have led to a steep drop in energy shipments through the strait.

WRAL News has been tracking prices during the war with Iran. You can also find tips to save at the pump and how to maximize your fuel efficiency.

Sean Bennett told WRAL News he is ready to get rid of his Ford Expedition that’s already paid off to buy another car with better gas mileage.

"The pump is ridiculous," Bennett said. "It was about $120 a tank -- about $500 a month."

Now he's considering trading in his truck for a more fuel efficient vehicle.

"It was nice to have a car not having to make a car payment, but it’s going to be rough getting a new one and making a payment," he said. "[Having to pay full insurance and everything that comes with it and this truck works just fine. It’s just the gas is just not worth the money anymore."

Matt McClain with Gas Buddy said driving slowly is one of the best ways to save gas.

"The best thing we can do that we can control ourselves is slow down on the highways," McClain said. "Drive the speed limit. You'll save 25% to 35% in fuel efficiency. That's a very big deal, especially if you are known for driving a really lead foot and you go a lot faster than the speed limit. That's costing you money."

• Find lower prices near you by entering your ZIP code.
• Fill up on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (prices go up on weekends because of higher demand).
• AAA recommends drivers turn off their cars if they will be stopped for more than 60 seconds and if it is safe to do so, which could include waiting at a stoplight, in a carpool line or at a drive-thru.
• Obey the speed limit and avoiding aggressive driving, like accelerating and stopping quickly.
• Remove excess weight from your vehicle.