Washington, July 20 (SANA)AverageU.S. gasoline priceshave climbed above $4 a gallon for the first time in months as the ongoingU.S.-Iran conflictcontinues to disrupt global energy markets and raise concerns over oil supplies passing through theStrait of Hormuz.

Reuters, citing data released on Monday by the American Automobile Association (AAA), reported that the national average price of regular gasoline rose to $4.003 per gallon, its highest level since the latest escalation of the conflict.

Gasoline prices have increased by more than 30% since the war began in late February, tracking a sharp rise in global crude oil prices amid fears that the conflict could disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway carries about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil, making it one of the most critical routes for global energy supplies.RH.ABD