Gas Prices Spike After U.S. Strikes on Iran as Trump Shrugs Off Rising Costs

Gasoline prices across the United States surged this week following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, a military escalation that has disrupted global oil markets and pushed fuel costs sharply higher for American consumers.

The national average price of gasoline rose seven cents Friday to $3.32 per gallon, according to AAA. Over the past week, prices have jumped 34 cents — roughly 11 percent — marking the steepest increase in months and the highest national average since September 2024.

The surge began after U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation and raising fears about disruptions to oil shipments through the Persian Gulf.

Oil Markets React to Conflict

Much of the world’s oil supply flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets. The conflict has increased risks to tanker traffic moving through the passage, slowing shipments and rattling energy markets.

Oil prices responded quickly. Benchmark crude prices have climbed about 30 percent since the fighting began, increases that are now reaching consumers in the form of higher gasoline and diesel prices.

Diesel prices have surged even more quickly. The national average reached $4.33 per gallon, the highest level since November 2023. Because diesel fuels most freight transportation in the United States, rising diesel costs are likely to push up shipping prices and eventually filter into grocery bills and other consumer goods.

Air travel, shipping, and manufacturing industries are also expected to feel the impact as fuel costs rise.

Trump Careless About Economic Impact

The spike in gasoline prices comes as President Donald Trump faces questions about campaign promises he made to dramatically reduce energy costs.

During the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged that gasoline prices would fall below $2 per gallon under his leadership and frequently pointed to fuel costs as a measure of economic success.

But as prices climb following the strikes on Iran, the president has signaled little concern about the immediate impact on Americans.

Asked about rising fuel prices in an interview about the conflict, Trump responded: “If they rise, they rise.”

Critics say the comment reflects a dismissive attitude toward the economic strain many households are already experiencing. For many families, gasoline prices are one of the most visible and immediate pressures on their budgets.

With prices now higher than when Trump began his current term, the surge at the pump could become a growing political challenge if the conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets.