Why Did Gas Prices Jump So High So Fast?

Gasoline prices continue to surge. Drivers saw increases of roughly 50 cents per gallon almost overnight following the outbreak of hostilities with Iran. According to AAA, the national average price of gasoline has climbed by nearly $1.00 per gallon over the past month—one of the fastest increases in decades. It feels like a ripoff, and for many Americans, the same questions come up every time. If the United States is the world’s largest oil producer—in fact, if we are energy independent—then why are we still at the mercy…