Midwest and South face steep fuel hikes as Middle East tensions ripple through US gas

U.S. pump prices jumped more than 10% this week as crude oil rose above $90 a barrel amid the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, with the Midwest and South hardest hit; AAA data put regular gasoline at about $3.32/gal and diesel at $4.33/gal—the highest in months—and analysts warn prices could climb further toward $3.50-$3.70/gal if oil stays elevated and supply disruptions persist, aided by Middle East turmoil, demand for U.S. exports, and seasonal factors.