Gas prices on the rise in Cook County amid international conflict

Gas prices are rising in Cook County amid a nationwide surge linked to the U.S. war with Iran.

As of Friday, prices in Grand Marais at the Circle K and Marathon stations were $3.39 per gallon, close to the Minnesota average of $3.40 per gallon. Gas stations on Cook County’s west end and along the North Shore are also at $3.39 per gallon as of Friday.

The increase comes as Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) tracks fuel prices across the United States by state and metro area.

In Minnesota, prices rose 17 cents per gallon over the past week and 81 cents compared with a month ago.

In the Duluth metro area, prices rose 6 cents over the past week and 73 cents compared with last month. The current average gas price in the Twin Ports area is $3.19.

According to the Associated Press, about 47% of the price of gasoline is tied to crude oil costs. Oil prices spiked to $110 per barrel on Monday before falling sharply. As of Thursday, prices hovered just above $90 per barrel — lower than Monday’s peak but still about 54% higher than a month ago and 10% higher than the day before.

Rising fuel prices can have broader economic effects. Higher oil costs can increase shipping expenses, heating bills and the price of goods, potentially affecting consumer spending and tourism. Higher fuel costs can hit rural communities especially hard, where residents often rely on cars for long commutes and basic services.

It remains unclear how long the U.S. war with Iran will continue. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios that the conflict could end “soon,” though the administration has not outlined specific conditions for ending the war.

Josh Hinke March 14, 2026