US Gasoline Above $4/gal for Record 158 Days as Middle East Disruptions Bite

The US national average gasoline price has held above $4 per gallon for 158 consecutive days, a record, reaching $4.33 as Middle East oil disruptions tighten supply ahead of legislative elections. The sustained high prices reflect ongoing geopolitical risk premium and could influence consumer sentiment and inflation expectations, though the direct market impact is already priced in.