Last Updated on May 4, 2026 4:59 pm
HEADLINE:
High Country Gas Prices Jump to $3.99 as Ceasefire Relief Fades
SLUG: high-country-gas-prices-may-4-2026
ARTICLE:
Gas prices across the High Country jumped about 20 cents this week, with most Boone-area stations hitting $3.99 per gallon Monday morning — right at the $4 threshold — as the brief relief from the U.S.-Iran ceasefire announcement has faded.
Here's where prices stand as of Monday morning, May 4, 2026:
- Boone Area (Regular): $3.99/gallon
- Diesel (Local Low): $5.46/gallon (Speedway, Banner Elk)
- Diesel (Most Boone Stations): $5.69/gallon
- North Carolina Average: $4.08/gallon
- National Average: $4.46/gallon
Prices climbed sharply from last Monday's report, when most local stations were at $3.79. The national average rose from $4.04 to $4.46 over the same period — a 42-cent jump in one week — as renewed Middle East tensions pushed oil prices back up.
Rob Handfield, an NC State University professor of supply chain management, warned this week that the pain at the pump may not be going away soon. “Unfortunately, it's bad news,” Handfield said, adding that prices could remain elevated through 2026 and beyond due to damaged oil infrastructure and the ongoing global conflict.
Prices remain dramatically higher than a year ago. The national average on May 4, 2025 was approximately $3.15 per gallon — meaning drivers are paying roughly $1.30 more per gallon today than they were twelve months ago.
WataugaOnline publishes a weekly gas prices report. Prices are sourced from GasBuddy and AAA and may vary by location and change after posting.
