The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline climbed to $4.110 on Sunday, marking the first time it has exceeded $4 per gallon in four years. This figure represents a six-cent increase from Saturday and a 13-cent rise from one week earlier. Over the past month, prices have surged nearly 86 cents, and they stand 85 cents higher than one year ago.

The spike traces back to escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the ongoing conflict involving Iran has disrupted global oil supplies. U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran in late February triggered a more than 30 percent jump in fuel costs. Crude oil prices remain elevated as the war approaches its fifth week, compounded by rising gasoline demand during the spring break season.

State prices vary widely. California leads with an average of $5.923 per gallon, while Oklahoma reports the lowest at $3.278. Other high-cost areas include Hawaii at $5.583 and the District of Columbia at $4.276. Diesel fuel averages $5.610 nationally, up 27 cents from last week.

Amid the price surge, communities across the country have organized free gas giveaways, drawing long lines of drivers seeking relief. Chicago businessman Willie Wilson hosted his 20th giveaway on Saturday, distributing $35 worth of free fuel at 30 stations in the city, suburbs, and northwest Indiana as part of a $500,000 initiative. Participants arrived early on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7 a.m.

In Fort Worth, Texas, police surprised drivers with free gas in an "April Fuels Day" event, providing $25 per vehicle to about 80 people at a local station. Churches also stepped in, with Kingdom Embassy in Minnesota giving away thousands in free fuel to hundreds of families ahead of Easter. Similar efforts occurred in Miami, Mississippi, and San Diego, where organizations offered up to $30 per car.

Earlier in Texas, a Brownsville couple's $3,000 free fuel offer sparked massive lines at a local station. These acts of kindness highlight the strain high prices place on households as fuel costs continue to climb.