American drivers could soon face another wave of higher fuel costs as analysts warn that worsening disruptions in global oil markets may push gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher.
The latest concerns stem from damage to Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, continued attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East, and uncertainty surrounding oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for global crude exports.
Energy analysts say the market has relied on several safeguards to prevent a larger supply shock. But those protections are weakening, leaving consumers increasingly exposed to rising fuel prices.
The 745-mile Saudi pipeline, known as the East-West Pipeline, serves as a crucial alternative route that allows Saudi Arabia to move crude oil from its eastern production fields to Red Sea export terminals without relying entirely on the Strait of Hormuz.
The pipeline's importance has grown as tensions in the region have disrupted maritime traffic. However, recent attacks damaged multiple pumping stations along the route, raising questions about how quickly Saudi Arabia can restore full capacity.
Although U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the pipeline could return to operation within days, some industry experts believe repairs could take much longer.
Andrew Lipow, an energy consultant who advises companies on oil infrastructure, said images of the damage showed significant destruction that would require replacement of major components.
"They will need to replace piping, valves, all the electrical stuff," Lipow said, explaining that repairs to a major energy system cannot be completed simply by replacing parts immediately available on the market.
Satellite imagery reviewed by The Washington Post showed damage at multiple facilities, including pumping stations that help move crude through the pipeline system.
The potential loss of Saudi export capacity comes at a difficult time for global energy markets. Analysts say oil supplies are already under pressure because of reduced shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to refineries that produce gasoline and diesel.
Tom Kloza, chief energy adviser at Gulf Oil, warned that fuel prices could rise rapidly as wholesale costs begin filtering down to consumers.
"Fuel margins have yet to catch up with previous wholesale hikes," Kloza said, predicting major increases in gasoline and diesel prices.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, also warned that drivers could see significant changes at the pump.
"Gas and diesel look set for a spike over the next 48 hours," De Haan said.
The national average price for regular gasoline reached $4.37 per gallon Wednesday, according to AAA data. Prices varied significantly across the country, reaching $6.04 per gallon in California while averaging $3.75 in Indiana.
Diesel prices have become an even greater concern. The national average reached $6.31 per gallon, with California prices climbing to $8.27. Because diesel fuels much of the trucking industry, higher prices can increase transportation costs and put additional pressure on consumer prices.
Some areas have already experienced rapid increases. Midwest states have been particularly vulnerable because of regional supply challenges, including an outage at ExxonMobil's Joliet refinery near Chicago, a major producer of gasoline and diesel for the region.
GasBuddy tracking showed prices increasing by nearly 30 cents per gallon in some locations, including parts of Ohio and Michigan. Diesel prices were also expected to climb further across several Midwestern markets.
The broader concern among analysts is that previous factors that helped stabilize oil markets are no longer as effective.
Bob McNally, founder of Rapidan Energy Group and a former White House energy adviser, said the global market had benefited from three major supports: reduced Chinese oil demand, emergency oil reserve releases, and Saudi Arabia's ability to reroute crude through the East-West Pipeline.
Those protections have weakened. China's oil demand has recovered, emergency reserves have been significantly reduced, and the pipeline has suffered damage.
Meanwhile, attacks on energy infrastructure continue. Iran-backed groups, including Houthi rebels in Yemen, have targeted Saudi oil facilities, increasing concerns that additional disruptions could follow.
Analysts warn that the pipeline damage could create a prolonged challenge if repairs are delayed or additional attacks occur.
"The real death knell will be getting it repaired to 95 percent, then striking again," geopolitical expert Brett Erickson said, referring to the risk of repeated attacks preventing a full recovery.
Even more clear indications that Yanbu WAS hit by Ansarallah in recent days, as they claimed.
— Brett Erickson (@BrettErickson28) September 17, 2026
What is particularly notable to me is how… important public trust has become for both Iran and Ansarallah in their respective wars.
While Iran has BEGUN to become a bit more… https://t.co/z6klIiM15p
The rising fuel costs are already creating pressure on policymakers. Some lawmakers have discussed possible measures such as limiting diesel exports to increase domestic supply, although economists disagree over whether such steps would reduce prices or create additional disruptions.
