Utah gas prices see nation’s steepest increase since Iran war began

The Salt Lake Tribune reports Utah has seen the nation’s largest increase in gas prices since the war with Iran began, while Brown University researchers estimate the conflict has added hundreds of millions of dollars to Utah fuel costs.

PARK CITY, Utah — Utah drivers have seen the nation’s steepest increase in gas prices since the war with Iran began in February.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Utah was about $4.93 on Tuesday, according to AAA, roughly 56 cents above the national average of $4.37. A year ago, Utah drivers were paying about $3.36 a gallon.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday that Utah’s average gas price has risen by about $2.18 per gallon since the conflict began Feb. 28, the largest increase of any state.

California, Hawaii and several other Western states still have higher prices at the pump. Utah’s distinction is how quickly prices have climbed.

The increase is tied in part to disruptions in global oil markets caused by the war with Iran, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the world’s oil supply.

Researchers at Brown University’s Climate Solutions Lab have been tracking the impact using AAA gas prices, federal fuel-consumption data, and Census household figures.

The Salt Lake Tribune, citing Brown’s state-level estimates, reported that higher gasoline prices have cost Utah consumers about $859.5 million above what researchers estimate they would have paid without the war. The newspaper reported an additional $533.5 million in higher diesel costs.

Those figures are estimates, not direct charges tied to the conflict. Brown’s model compares actual fuel prices with a projected no-war price path.

The effect, however, is easy to see at the pump.

Utah’s statewide average remains below its record of $5.26, set in July 2022. But it is nearly $1.60 higher than a year ago, showing how quickly global events can hit Utah households.