US petrol prices have risen by 50% since the start of the war launched by Washington and Tel Aviv against Iran, as disruptions to global oil supplies continue to drive energy costs higher.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price of a gallon of regular petrol in the US reached $4.55 on May 8, up 25 cents from the previous week.

The increase is largely tied to rising crude oil prices following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Shipping delays and stalled tanker traffic in the Gulf have tightened global supply and added pressure to fuel markets.