Middle East chaos. Blocked shipping lanes. Idaho drivers paying the price.

Gas prices across the Gem State have climbed for a third straight week as escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens global oil supply routes, according to AAA Idaho.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Idaho hit $4.23 on Friday — up 18 cents from a week ago, 3 cents from a month ago, and a steep 75 cents from a year ago, AAA reported. The increase has pushed Idaho to 12th place nationally for the most expensive gas, outpacing the U.S. average of $4.10 per gallon.

The spike traces back to two flashpoints threatening crude oil shipping. Oil tankers are struggling to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, while Houthi rebels in Yemen are attempting to block Saudi Arabian oil shipments through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Saudi Arabia could reroute shipments through the Mediterranean Sea, but experts say that detour could triple the time it takes tankers to reach their destinations.

Compounding the uncertainty, a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran that had temporarily stabilized the crude market is no longer in effect.

“The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran that briefly calmed the crude oil market is no longer in effect, which adds more uncertainty to the equation,” said Matthew Conde, AAA Idaho public affairs director. “In the short term, we could see more expensive crude and a period of higher prices at the pump.”

The West Texas Intermediate benchmark for crude — a key indicator of U.S. oil prices — is trading near $88 per barrel, up sharply from about $70 a barrel just a month ago. Analysts expect prices to keep fluctuating this week as markets try to gauge how the conflict will affect future supply.

For now, Idaho drivers are left watching the pump — and the Middle East — for signs of relief.