Rural Kentuckians are bearing the brunt of soaring fuel costs that have pushed gas prices to near four-year highs, according to a new analysis by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.

As of late April 2026, U.S. gas prices exceed $4 per gallon nationally, driven by conflict in the Middle East. Kentucky has seen the steepest increases among all states, with prices rising 42.5% from $2.80 to $3.98 per gallon year-over-year, the largest surge nationally.

The impact hits rural workers especially hard. Workers in rural counties like Elliott, Hickman, Martin and Fulton have the longest average commutes to employment, making them more vulnerable to price volatility. Unlike people living in urban areas, most Kentuckians cannot choose whether to use their car, with more Kentuckians commuting to a different county for work than the county where they live.

Eastern Kentucky workers face particular pressure. About 40% of workers in Eastern Kentucky are commuting outside the region for their jobs. The Commonwealth has more than 33,000 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, and some are independent contractors who pay for gas out of their own pockets.

The cost burden extends beyond individual drivers. The U.S. war in Iran has caused a spike in gas prices that now costs Kentuckians $175 million a month, with an additional $46.69 each month for every Kentucky driver—the fourth-worst increase among all states.

National concern about the situation is mounting. An April 2026 Pew Research Center survey found 69% of Americans are concerned about rising gas and fuel prices due to U.S. military action against Iran, with 45% extremely concerned.

The story was originally reported by WUKY News based on analysis by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.