Gas prices climb above $3.50 in Austin and San Antonio

Gas prices in Austin and San Antonio jumped back above $3.50 a gallon on average Monday as the U.S. and Iran launched more attacks, crimping the flow of fuel worldwide.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline also is back above $3.50, but Texans are still faring better than drivers across the U.S. - the national average is at $4, according to motor club AAA.

Drivers in Austin are paying an average of $3.53, up 11 cents from a week ago and 75 cents from the $2.78 average a year ago. In San Antonio, drivers are paying a bit more at $3.56 on average for a gallon of regular. A week ago, they were paying less than Austin drivers, $3.41; a year ago, they were paying an average of $2.75. 

Across the state, drivers are paying an average of $3.57, up from $2.76 a year ago. Nationally, drivers are paying 86 cents more on average than they were a year ago, when the average price was $3.14 a gallon.

U.S. average pump prices first went over $4 a gallon at the end of March. They dipped below that in mid-June and continued to fall as crude oil prices eased when the U.S. and Iran reached an interim ceasefire deal. Even then, President Donald Trump expressed frustration that prices weren't falling as quickly as oil prices.

PRICE TRACKER: Track gas prices across San Antonio and Texas

While the national average has topped $4, drivers in some states have been paying well over that for a while now while others pay less. Prices vary between states due to factors ranging from nearby supply to differing tax rates.

Affordability is likely to be a key issue for voters in the U.S. midterm elections, and higher gas and oil prices can also help push up prices for groceries and other goods.

California had the highest average price for a gallon of regular gasoline Monday: $5.50, nearly $2 more than what Texans are paying. Indiana had the lowest average: $3.35. Mississippi is the only other state with an average less expensive than Texas - by a tenth of a penny.

People around the world also are dealing with high gas prices as a result of the war. It's all because oil prices have climbed again in recent days as the U.S. and Iran have moved closer to all-out war.

Brent crude, the international standard, fell slightly by Monday morning trading in the U.S. - down $1.64 to $86.46 per barrel. But that's still much higher than prewar levels, when crude was going for close to $70 a barrel. Meanwhile, benchmark U.S. crude dropped $1.87 to $79.91 per barrel.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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