Gas Prices Stay Above $4.30 Despite Hormuz Recovery as Shipping Costs, War Risk Persist

U.S. gasoline prices remain above $4.30 a gallon even as Middle East oil exports recover, with the average pump price at $4.36 — down about 21 cents in a month but still 46% above pre-war levels, according to AAA. West Texas Intermediate futures trade near $92, roughly 9% below Sept. 15 but more than 40% above pre-war levels. Kpler said Gulf oil supply excluding Iran has returned to pre-Iran war levels, with about four of every 10 crude barrels now leaving the region outside the Strait of Hormuz, and tanker traffic improving from a wartime low. Analysts attribute stubborn prices to costly ship-to-ship transfers, higher captain pay reaching $100,000 a month plus $50,000 trip bonuses, and fears of renewed fighting or attacks on infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline briefly closed last month after a Houthi attack before exports were restored to 5.8 million barrels a day.