Natrona County gas prices continue to jump amid Middle East conflict, seasonal changes

CASPER, Wyo. — With global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz throttled and the U.S. targeting Iranian oil infrastructure over the weekend, Natrona County drivers are facing some of the highest fuel costs in years.

Natrona County’s average gas price jumped another 44 cents in the last week to $3.40 per gallon, up 89 cents in just two weeks. The national average has risen 23.2 cents over the last week to $3.68 per gallon, fueled by crude oil prices up more than $20 from last week.

The national average diesel price rose 34 cents to $4.95 per gallon. “Consumers continue to feel the sting of rising oil, gasoline, and diesel costs as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Until we see a meaningful resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, upward pressure on fuel prices is likely to persist.”

The cheapest fuel in Natrona County today is $3.27 at Loaf ‘N Jug, 1510 Centennial Court; Sam’s Club, 4600 E. Second St.; and Ridley’s Family Market, 300 SE Wyoming Blvd., according to GasBuddy. Despite the hike, Johnson County remains the state’s cheapest at $3.19 per gallon, followed by Goshen County at $3.20 and Weston County at $3.33.

Oil prices have remained highly reactive to new developments after the U.S. attacked Iran and targeted Kharg Island over the weekend. Some ships have successfully transited the Strait, and for now, the market appears less concerned about a broader escalation. In early Monday trading, WTI crude fell $3.07 to $95.64 per barrel, though it remains up more than $20 from last Monday’s $72.41 level.