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Fuel prices across the United States have surged to their highest levels since early 2022, driven by supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
At a filling station in Los Angeles, motorists are already feeling the strain. One driver said it now costs about $130 to fill his tank — roughly $30 more than before hostilities began between the US, Israel and Iran.
The spike in prices follows attacks launched on February 28, which escalated tensions in the Middle East and disrupted global oil flows. A major factor has been Iran’s move to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
This disruption has pushed crude oil prices sharply higher, with ripple effects across fuel markets. In California, petrol prices have climbed above $6 per gallon, up from around $4.50 before the conflict.
The situation has sparked public frustration, with some Americans criticising Donald Trump over the war and its economic consequences, while others argue that global factors and oil companies also play a role in rising costs.
Beyond fuel, consumers are bracing for a broader “domino effect,” as higher transportation costs feed into increased prices for goods such as food and clothing.
For many, especially those on fixed incomes, the impact is already severe, forcing cutbacks in daily expenses and increased reliance on support services like food banks.
