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According to Sinochem New Network, during the first week of March, gasoline prices in the United States rose sharply, with the average retail price per gallon reaching $3.32 – a rise of nearly 11% compared to the previous week. This represented the largest weekly increase since March 2022. According to the latest data from the American Automobile Association, this price level has risen to its highest levels since the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose to $86 per barrel, and Brent crude crossed the $90 mark, indicating that gas station prices may continue to rise. Market analysts say that this rise in oil prices is mainly driven by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. As a key route for global energy supply, tensions in this strait have raised concerns in the market regarding the stability of crude oil supplies. Although the current average price of gasoline across the United States is still below the peak levels seen in previous years, its rapid increase has drawn widespread attention in the market. From the perspective of market supply and demand, crude oil production in the United States remains high, and refinery utilization rates stay stable; there is no significant shortage on the supply side as a whole. However, the short-term impact of international geopolitical factors on oil prices continues. Qatar’s energy minister warned that the market is facing dual risks of volatile energy prices and financial market uncertainties. To address potential supply disruptions, relevant parties have taken measures to provide risk protection for oil tankers passing through key waterways. Analysts point out that although the increase in oil prices this time is significant, it is still far from historical peaks. The future trend of the market will depend on how the situation in the Strait of Hormuz evolves, as well as the pace at which the global supply and demand balance for crude oil adjusts. Current market concerns over supply disruptions are on the rise, but there have been no large-scale disruptions in actual supply yet, and the trend in oil prices remains to be seen.