Gas Prices: Ukraine's New Move Shakes Things Up

Gas prices were on a downward trend in the summer of 2025. By Memorial Day and July 4th, they hit a low not seen since 2021. The American Automobile Association noted a 30-cent drop per gallon compared to 2024. With winter approaching, hopes were high for even lower prices, offering a break from rising costs. But then, Ukraine changed the game. Since August, they've been targeting Russia's oil infrastructure—refineries, pipelines, and export terminals. This has led to a drop in Russian oil exports by 500, 000 barrels per day, causing oil prices to jump by 5% in just a week. Ukraine's strategy is hitting Russia where it hurts. In August, Russia's oil and gas revenue took a nearly billion-dollar hit compared to July. This drop in exports is now pushing gas prices back up in the U. S. The national average is now $3. 18 per gallon, the same as last year. The U. S. Energy Information Administration still predicts lower gas prices this winter. But Ukraine's actions are a wild card. They're not backing down and are likely to ramp up their efforts. So, while cheaper gas is possible, Ukraine's moves could keep prices from falling as much as hoped.