US transportation secretary said gas prices should drop 'in the next week' during Philly visit

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- With gas prices climbing and the war in Iran dragging on, drivers are wondering when they may feel relief from prices at the pump.

The national average for a gallon of gas is now hovering near $4.55 per gallon.

We questioned U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the cost of travel after he arrived in Philadelphia aboard Amtrak's inaugural Freedom 250 Acela train on Thursday.

Duffy acknowledged the frustration, noting that while crude oil prices have recently fallen, drivers have yet to see those price cuts at gas stations.

"We want to encourage all Americans to take a road trip, whether it be two hours or two days, to see your country."

He added that price changes typically lag by "a week to ten days" before appearing at the pump.

RELATED: Average US gas prices top $4.50 a gallon, the highest in nearly 4 years

The ongoing conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz remain major factors.

President Trump has backed away from a plan for U.S. military ships to escort vessels through the strait, while also saying the end of the war is near.

Duffy said he expects prices to eventually fall.

"You're going to see them go back down to historic lows, I think, once we get through the issues in the Straight of Hormuz," he said.

When we asked for a timeline, he said, "Listen, the president is at the forefront of those negotiations, and he's trying to cut a deal."

Many drivers feel they don't have another option.

"You see what's going on and you see how it impacts your wallet," said Amaar Farooq of West Philadelphia. "Nothing you can do about it. Just continue filling up your tank. And just hope that they find a solution."

Duffy said he is also monitoring air travel and expects gas prices to ease in the coming weeks.