Gasoline prices hit their highest point since September due to the introduction of a pricier summer blend of fuel and oil prices hovering above $70 per barrel. The national average price for gasoline stood close to $3.24 per gallon, showing a $0.14 increase from a month ago and a $0.29 decrease from a year earlier according to data from AAA. The switch to the more costly summer blend is attributed to refineries transitioning their production process. This change, combined with seasonal refinery maintenance, impacts the gasoline supply. As temperatures rise and people embark on spring break road trips, the demand for gasoline rises, fueling the increase in prices. US gasoline inventories have dropped to their lowest since December, while oil prices have seen a recent surge, with West Texas Intermediate crude trading above $71 per barrel and Brent futures above $74. Geopolitical events, such as US pressure on Iran, tariff threats, and geopolitical tensions, are contributing to the rise in oil prices. Uncertainty looms around potential tariffs on US trading partners and their implications on oil prices. Goldman Sachs analysts predict that if oil imports face a 10% levy, the prices of refined products like gasoline and diesel will also increase.