Reports from the American Automobile Association show that gas prices, which had previously begun to drop somewhat, have once again begun to rise.
According to anApril 30 reportfrom AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas rose by 27 cents in one week at the time of the report, with prices at the highest they had been in four years, since late July 2022. U.S. conflict with Iran has continued, causing pricing fluctuations.
On Monday, May 4,USA TODAY reportedon some of the Iran war revolving around the Strait of Hormuz; Adm. Brad Cooper, who heads U.S. Central Command, said that six Iranian boats sunk by the U.S. were targeting commercial vessels along the strategic waterway.
With national average gas prices and gas prices inNorth Carolinaalike over $4, here's what to know.
Is the Strait of Hormuz open? Will the Strait of Hormuz open soon?
As reported by USA TODAY, the Strait of Hormuz has remained under Iranian control since the start of the Iran war in February. Washington is seeking to reopen the strait. On Monday, May 4, the U.S. military sunk six Iranian boats as the United Arab Emirates reported missile fire and drone attacks from Iran, testing a weekslong ceasefire.
Are gas prices falling again? When will gas prices go down?
As of an April 30 report from AAA, gas prices had begun to rise again after falling for almost two weeks. The national average saw a 27-cent hike in one week at the time of the report, with prices at the highest they had been in four years, since late July 2022.
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What is the average price of gas in North Carolina? In the U.S.?
In North Carolina on May 4, the average price for regular gas was $4.077 per gallon. On May 4, the average price of regular gas countrywide was $4.457 per gallon, according toAAA.
What are gas prices like in Asheville, Western NC?
In the Asheville area, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.128 as of May 4, according to AAA. One year ago on the same date, the price was $2.828, about $1.30 lower.
Where are the lowest gas prices in NC? Highest gas prices in NC?
Unlike in previous reports from the Citizen Times, the Asheville area is no longer home to the lowest gas prices in North Carolina. The Jacksonville area, where gas is averaging $3.976 per gallon as of May 4, is home to the new low. In fact, Asheville has climbed several places, now ranking No. 4 for the most expensive gas of 15 N.C. regions listed by AAA.
Prices in the Durham-Chapel Hill area, meanwhile, have risen, once again making it the state's highest gas price area with average prices at $4.159 as of May 4.
How can I save on gas? Best apps for saving money on gas
One popular option for saving on gas as prices rise comes in the form of cashback and gas finder apps. In a previous report,USA TODAYlisted several of its top-rated choices:
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Upside: This app remains the "king" of fuel apps for earning actual cash back rather than just points. Simply "claim" an offer in the app before you fill up and pay with your usual card to see rewards—often ranging from $0.11 to $0.25 per gallon—hit your account within days. With a network of nearly 50,000 businesses, it’s the perfect tool for "double-dipping" alongside your favorite gas station's loyalty program.
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GasBuddy: This app remains the gold standard for real-time price tracking, letting you know exactly what the sign says before you turn the corner. Driven by millions of "GasBuddies" who report local prices daily, the data stays incredibly fresh and reliable. For the biggest wins, watch for "Flash Deals" that can knock up to $0.30 off per gallon, or use the built-in Trip Cost Calculator to map out the cheapest stops for your next road trip.
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Google Maps: This popular app now uses AI-driven "Ask Maps" to help you find the cheapest gas on your route while filtering for extras like clean restrooms or car washes. You can even use its 3D Immersive View to scout station entrances and avoid traffic before you arrive.
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Waze: For a community-driven approach, this app excels at finding hidden gem stations off the main highway, relying on real-time price updates from fellow drivers to ensure accuracy.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times:Gas prices on rise in NC, US. Ways to save at gas pump