Americans are paying record Labor Day gas prices while the Iran standoff shows no sign of ending — bad news for drivers, shoppers, and anyone buying electronics.

• Gas topped $4 a gallon and oil is closing in on $100 a barrel as supply stays squeezed.
• Copper hit an all-time high, and computer chips and memory are getting expensive too.
• The Strait of Hormuz blockade is the root cause, driving inflation and food and energy worries worldwide.
• Iran is close to a deal with Oman to manage shipping through the strait, which would tighten its grip on the waterway.
• The US has no allies backing the action, and even supporters admit munitions are running short.

Outlook: Oil looks set to push toward triple digits, and prices at the pump will follow unless the blockade is lifted.