NEW YORK CITY, New York: Gasoline and diesel prices jumped sharply overnight as conflict in the Middle East disrupted oil shipments and sparked anxiety among drivers from the United States to Europe.

The average U.S. price for a gallon of gasoline rose 11 cents, according to AAA, while diesel prices in Europe surged and motorists lined up at stations to top off their tanks amid fears of further supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf.

Depending on how long the war lasts, fuel costs could rise further in the coming weeks, particularly in regions dependent on imports.

"Right now, the worst of it is centered on Europe, because Europe is a net importer," said Susan Bell, senior vice president of commodity markets at Rystad Energy. Diesel prices have spiked 27 percent in Europe since February 27 — about 62 cents per gallon — she said. "It's gone up substantially, because Europe is so constrained on diesel supply."

In the United States, regular gasoline averaged US$3.11 per gallon. Prices had already been trending upward as refiners switched to more expensive summer blends and demand rose. Summer gasoline includes additives to reduce evaporation in heat, said AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz. Rising crude prices tied to the war added further pressure.

Anne Dulske said she paid $15 more than usual to fill her tank in Jackson, Mississippi.

"It's going to affect everything in our lives," she said. "It's very scary, and it does hit closer to home than people think."

Dulske said she had seen prices slowly decline before the weekend strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and was caught off guard by the sudden increase.

"We are knee-deep into the gas price increases," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. He expects further rises but does not foresee U.S. prices reaching $4 a gallon. "Many Americans seem very panicked that prices could hit multiple dollars higher than that, which at this point, I wouldn't say anything's impossible, but certainly it's quite improbable based on the current developments."

Although the U.S. is a net oil exporter, domestic consumers remain exposed to swings in global markets. Oil prices are set internationally, and many U.S. refineries are configured for heavier imported crude rather than the lighter oil produced domestically.

States reliant on imported fuels are feeling sharper pain, said Shon Hiatt, director of the Zage Business of Energy Initiative at the USC Marshall School of Business. California imports refined fuels from South Korea, China, and sometimes the Middle East.

"We have an energy security problem in California. It's not looking good for us," Hiatt said. With Middle Eastern supplies constrained, "if push came to shove, they're going to cut off any refined fuel sales to California for sure."

In a Paris suburb, drivers queued 15 cars deep at a station charging about 1.846 euros per liter, roughly seven euros per gallon, for diesel.

"I'm heading out to the countryside, and I'm almost out of fuel," said Laurence Rihouay. "But there are a lot of people here. There's never usually this many."

Oil prices climbed to their highest levels in more than a year after Iran launched retaliatory attacks and disrupted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of globally traded oil passes. Iran also struck energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

"With Iran and the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked, it is causing alarm everywhere and driving up oil prices," said Abdelilah Khalil at a station outside Paris. "It's panic on board, everyone is worried, and I think that's why many people are rushing to gas stations to fill up."

President Donald Trump addressed the spike in Oval Office remarks. "We have a little high oil prices for a little while, but as soon as this ends, those prices are going to drop, I believe, lower than even before," he said. He added that, if needed, the U.S. Navy would escort oil tankers through the strait and ordered political risk insurance for vessels carrying goods through the Persian Gulf.

In Jackson, Brody Wilkins was filling gas canisters for his landscaping and construction business when he noticed prices had climbed to $2.99 per gallon.

"We use gas nonstop," Wilkins said. "I don't know how long this is supposed to last, but I hope not very long."

Benchmark U.S. crude rose 8.6 percent to $77.36 per barrel on March 3, while Brent crude climbed 6.7 percent to $81.29. Because crude costs are the largest component of retail fuel prices, increases are typically reflected at the pump within weeks.

In Burlington, Massachusetts, Erin Kelly described near-$4 gasoline as "hefty," saying she paid more than $5 for premium fuel.

"We already are paying more in the grocery store," she said. "We're paying even more than we were paying before at the gas pump. So, I don't know, it's a little concerning."