Gas prices are climbing across both the High Country and the nation this week, impacting local residents and travelers alike. The national average for regular unleaded gasoline saw a significant jump of 16 cents in just seven days, largely driven by the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict which continues to push global oil prices higher. This surge reflects persistent volatility in international oil markets.
In Watauga County, the most affordable regular unleaded fuel is currently priced at $3.79 per gallon. This can be found at the 76 station located on US-321 South in Blowing Rock. Many stations in the immediate Boone area are reporting prices around $3.89 per gallon. This includes the Sheetz on Chestnut Drive, several Speedway locations, and the Quality Plus station on US-421 North. Slightly higher, the Circle K on NC-105 South is offering regular gasoline at $3.90 per gallon.
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline surged to $4.313 per gallon on Monday, according to AAA. This figure marks a 16-cent increase from the previous week's average of $4.151, reaching its highest point since the spring spike. Across North Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline has also risen, standing at $3.90 per gallon as of September 14, according to data provided by the EIA.
Diesel prices are also experiencing a sharp increase this week. The lowest price for diesel fuel available in Watauga County is now $5.99 per gallon. This price has become standard at several key locations, including Sheetz stations, multiple Speedway locations throughout Boone, the Speedway in Banner Elk, the Circle K on NC-105 South, and both Quality Plus locations in the county. This current county low represents a 20-cent jump from the previous week's low of $5.79 per gallon.
The sustained rise in fuel costs is attributed to the continued volatility in global oil markets, specifically tied to the conflict in the Middle East. Consumers are feeling the impact, as gas prices nationally are approximately 24 percent more expensive than they were a year ago, according to information from the Consumer Price Index. The data for these price reports are provided by GasBuddy and AAA Carolinas, with prices subject to local variation and change after posting.
