BATON ROUGE — Warnings of escalating tensions in the Middle East, including threats against Saudi Arabia, have sent gas prices surging again.

According to AAA, the national price of a gallon of gas rose about 16 cents.

In Baton Rouge, the average price for a gallon of regular gas is about $4, up about 12 cents from a week ago and more than a dollar from this time last year. Diesel passed $6 a gallon, hitting a record high this month.

"It's been horrible. Normally, $30 will take me closer to full and it barely gets me half a tank," said Baton Rouge resident Quiana Revish.

Another resident said they spend close to $100 on gas a week now.

The latest price increases come as the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt global oil markets. A major concern is potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for the world's oil supply.

The Houthis, an armed political group in Yemen with links to Iran, targeted key oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia this week. Oil experts warn continued disruption in the region could cause gas and diesel prices to keep rising, although last week President Trump called gas prices an "inexpensive price to pay."

Some people told WBRZ they support the president and the conflict with Iran. Others questioned whether the higher prices are worth the cost.

"Feels like the war is unnecessary. I feel like it's pointless and meaningless. Why do we have to suffer for that? With a country as rich as ours, we shouldn't even be dealing with this," Revish said.

"We shouldn't be there," said Baton Rouge resident Melvin Murrill.

Whether gas prices continue to rise or start decreasing depends largely on global oil supplies and whether the conflict continues.