Virginians Pay $254 Million More for Gas Due to Iran War

New congressional analysis finds Virginians bearing brunt of rising fuel costs from conflict.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the rising cost of gasoline and its economic impact.Soaring gas prices driven by the war in Iran are squeezing household budgets across Virginia.Washington Today

A new congressional analysis has found that Virginians have already paid $254 million more at the pump as a result of President Trump's war with Iran, part of a broader nationwide increase in gasoline costs totaling an estimated $8.4 billion for American families. The report shows the national average price of gasoline has now risen above $4 a gallon, with fill-up costs reaching $145 for the top-selling pickup truck, $58 for the top-selling SUV, and $52 for the top-selling sedan.

Why it matters

The increased gas prices due to the war in Iran are hitting American households and businesses at a time when families are already struggling with rising costs for healthcare, energy, and groceries due to the administration's tariffs and economic policies. Senators Warner and Kaine argue the administration entered the conflict without a clear plan, goals or objectives, and are now forcing Virginians to pay the price.

The details

The congressional analysis used data from AAA, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Energy Information Administration to calculate the increase in gasoline spending since February 28. It found that fill-up costs are now 35% higher, meaning the cost to fill up the top-selling pickup truck is now $144.65 (an increase of $37.29), the cost for the top-selling SUV is $58.26 (an increase of $15.02), and the cost for the top-selling sedan is $52.23 (an increase of $13.46).

  • The congressional analysis covers the period since February 28, 2026.

The players

Mark R. Warner

U.S. Senator from Virginia.

Tim Kaine

U.S. Senator from Virginia.

President Trump

The former U.S. President who initiated the war with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“We've said it countless times: there was no imminent threat to the U.S. when President Trump entered this war with Iran. Trump went in with no clear plan, goals, or objectives, and now working families are stuck footing the bill.”

— Mark R. Warner, U.S. Senator

“Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz was a predictable response that the administration was embarrassingly unprepared for. Now, Virginians are paying hundreds of millions more at the pump, while costs are rising for groceries, air travel, fertilizer, aluminum, and more. Even if the Strait reopened tomorrow, the chaos Trump has caused for global markets means these increased costs are here for the long haul.”

— Tim Kaine, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The senators called on the administration to develop a clear strategy for ending the conflict with Iran and mitigating the economic fallout for American families.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant economic toll the war in Iran is taking on Virginians and Americans nationwide, with rising gas prices just one part of the broader inflationary pressures caused by the administration's foreign policy decisions.