U.S. Gas Prices Surge to Highest Level Since 2024
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 10 2026
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Should l Buy XOM?
Source: Newsfilter
- Price Surge: The average price of unleaded gas in the U.S. has climbed to about $3.54 per gallon, marking the highest level since 2024 and a 21% increase from a month ago, directly impacting consumer living costs.
- Supply Chain Crisis: The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has disrupted the crucial Strait of Hormuz, leading to the largest three-day price jump since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, highlighting the vulnerability of the global oil market.
- Political Ramifications: The rise in gas prices threatens Trump's commitment to lowering living costs, a key pillar of his reelection campaign, which could influence the outcomes of the upcoming midterm elections.
- Market Volatility: U.S. crude oil prices are fluctuating around $84 per barrel after surpassing $100 earlier this week, with analysts indicating that future price movements will depend on the duration of market disruptions.
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Analyst Views on XOM
Wall Street analysts forecast XOM stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 154.330
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 154.330
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
About XOM
Exxon Mobil Corporation is an energy provider and chemical manufacturer. The Company’s principal business involves exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas; the manufacture, trade, transport and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and a wide variety of specialty products; and pursuit of lower-emission and other new business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, Proxxima systems, carbon materials, and lithium. Its Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. The Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments manufacture and sell petroleum products and petrochemicals. Energy Products segment includes fuels, aromatics, and catalysts and licensing. Chemical Products segment consists of olefins, polyolefins, and intermediates. Specialty Products segment includes finished lubricants, basestocks and waxes, synthetics, and elastomers and resins.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

- Earnings Report: ExxonMobil reported Q1 revenue of USD 85.138 million, exceeding the Ibes estimate of USD 82.180 million.
- Financial Performance: The revenue figures indicate a stronger performance than analysts had anticipated, reflecting positive trends in the company's operations.
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- Earnings Release Date: Exxon Mobil is set to release its Q1 earnings on May 1, with the market anticipating that the financial results will provide crucial performance guidance for investors.
- EPS Expectations: Analysts estimate the company’s Q1 earnings per share (EPS) to be $1.01, reflecting the company's profitability amid fluctuations in the oil and gas market.
- Revenue Projections: The expected revenue for Exxon Mobil in Q1 is $85.29 billion, indicating strong performance against the backdrop of recovering global energy demand.
- Mixed Analyst Ratings: Despite the upcoming earnings report, analysts have mixed ratings on the company, highlighting market uncertainties regarding future oil prices and operational strategies.
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- Market Impact Not Fully Absorbed: Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods emphasized that the unprecedented disruptions in global oil and gas supply due to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have not been fully absorbed by the market, predicting that oil prices will rise due to supply shortages if the strait remains closed.
- Production Decline Warning: Woods warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed through the second quarter, Exxon’s production in the Middle East could decline by 750,000 barrels per day, while throughput at its refineries worldwide would fall by 3%, negatively impacting the company's overall performance.
- Increased Inventory Pressure: With strategic petroleum reserves being released and commercial inventories drawn down, Woods stated that governments and industries will need to replenish stockpiles after the conflict ends, which will further increase market demand and drive oil prices higher.
- Flat Stock Performance: Despite oil prices soaring by 57% since the onset of the war, Exxon's stock has remained flat during the same period, reflecting market concerns about the company's future performance amidst ongoing supply disruptions.
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- Production Impact: Exxon Mobil reported a net production of 4.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day in Q1, with Guyana achieving a new record of over 900,000 gross barrels per day, despite approximately 15% of Gulf region production being affected by Middle Eastern conflicts, showcasing the company's resilience in crisis.
- Strong Financial Performance: The company posted adjusted earnings of $1.16 per share, exceeding the consensus estimate of $0.98, and revenue of $85.14 billion, surpassing Wall Street expectations of $81.13 billion, indicating robust profitability even in adverse conditions.
- Strategic Investment Returns: CEO Darren Woods noted that the company's strategic investments are generating benefits that may not be reflected in the current quarter, highlighting the potential for long-term growth and market adaptability.
- Energy Price Warning: Woods cautioned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, energy prices could face greater impacts, potentially depleting commercial inventories to minimum levels, emphasizing the company's ability to respond and adapt in the global market.
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Project Completion Timeline: The CEO of Exxon has announced that the Golden Pass train 3 project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.
Significance of the Project: This completion is anticipated to enhance Exxon’s operational capabilities and contribute to its overall growth strategy.
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