Drivers in Western North Carolina are experiencing a surge in gas prices as military conflict intensifies in Iran, impacting local pumps and potentially leading to long-term economic consequences for the region.
Current Price Levels
As of Friday, March 6, gas prices in Henderson County averaged around $2.99 per gallon. The broader state average reached $3.22 per gallon by Saturday morning, the highest level since September 2024, according to AAA. The national average is $3.30 per gallon.
Magnitude of Recent Increases
The price surge has been dramatic. Tuesday marked the largest single-day jump at the pump since March 2022. Crude oil prices surged 35% this week as Iran threatens the Strait of Hormuz. Gas prices rose 15 cents overnight to $2.91 a gallon, according to GasBuddy, following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, with diesel prices climbing nearly 18 cents.
Regional Variations
In Asheville, average gasoline prices stood at $2.70 per gallon on Monday, March 2, according to GasBuddy, up 2.1 cents from the previous week.
The "Double Whammy": This war-driven spike coincides with the annual spring switch to more expensive summer-blend gasoline, compounding the financial burden on mountain residents.
Neighboring areas showed similar increases: Spartanburg averaged $2.66 per gallon, and Greenville averaged $2.65 per gallon, according to GasBuddy data.