Forecasts project the national average gas price reaching $4.48 per gallon by Memorial Day weekend and potentially $4.80 over the summer, exceeding the 2022 record of $4.43. Supported reports indicate two California refineries are shutting down, with possible local spikes to $10 per gallon. Claims of an active U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran beginning February 28 and related tanker absences remain unverified.