<div id="readability-page-1"><p>Consumers in the U.S. are paying more at the pump as gas prices have increased again. According to the <em>AAA</em> fuel price tracker, the national average price of gas increased nearly 7 cents overnight. The price of fuel has also risen 27 cents over the past week, 32 cents over the past month, and a whopping $1.12 year-over-year. Gas prices have already surged above those seen in 2008, which were triggered by the war with Iraq, and are quickly approaching the all-time high of $5.032 set in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p><h3>Claim 55% Off TipRanks</h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge fund-level data  and  powerful investing tools  for smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Discover top-performing stock ideas and upgrade to a portfolio of market leaders with  Smart Investor Picks  </li></ul> <p>As gas prices remain close to historic highs, consumers can pin them to another war overseas. This time around, it's the war with Iran that has caused the price of fuel to skyrocket. The conflict has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for crude oil from the Middle East. While there have been negotiations to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, they have failed to reach a conclusion. The price of fuel is expected to increase the longer the war goes on.</p> <p>The war with Iran isn't the only reason that consumers have faced increased gas prices. Refineries have also closed down or limited operations for maintenance, which is typical for this time of year. This is a contributing factor to rising fuel prices as it limits the supply from these facilities. This wouldn't normally result in such a stark increase in fuel prices, but the maintenance period rise is compounded by the war in Iran.</p> <h2><strong>How This Affects Oil Stocks</strong></h2> <p>Oil stocks have largely benefited from the inflated prices at the pump. This has seen major players in the space, such as Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), ConocoPhillips (COP), EOG Resources (EOG), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), BP (BP), and Schlumberger (SLB), experience strong year-to-date gains. These stocks are likely to continue to perform well so long as the war in Iran continues.</p> <h2><strong>Which Oil Stocks Are Worth Investing In?</strong></h2> <p>Turning to the TipRanks stock comparison tool, traders can see how analysts rate the major oil stocks. The analysts' consensus ratings come in at Strong Buy for CVX and SLB, Moderate Buy for XOM, COP, EOG, and BP, and Hold for OXY. Looking at the average analyst price targets, Chevron has the highest upside potential at 9.66%, followed closely by Schlumberger at 8.37% and Exxon Mobil at 8.18%.</p></div>

<p>Gas prices in the U.S. have surged, with the national average rising nearly 7 cents overnight and 27 cents over the past week, reaching levels not seen since 2008. The increase is attributed to the ongoing war with Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz, and typical seasonal refinery maintenance. Consequently, oil stocks like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and others have seen strong gains, with analysts rating Chevron and Schlumberger as Strong Buy. The average price targets suggest significant upside potential for these stocks as the conflict continues.</p>

- U.S. gas prices have risen nearly 7 cents overnight, with an increase of $1.12 year-over-year, driven by the ongoing war in Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz and limited crude oil shipping.  
- Refineries have also reduced operations for maintenance, compounding the supply issues contributing to higher fuel prices.  
- Oil stocks like Exxon Mobil and Chevron have benefited from these price increases, showing strong year-to-date gains and favorable analyst ratings.

Why Gas Prices Are Up & What It Means for Oil Stocks