- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Americans Angered by Rising Gas Prices Amid Iran War
Voters across the political spectrum feel the pain at the pump as conflict overseas drives up costs.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
As the U.S. finds itself embroiled in a new war with Iran, Americans are feeling the impact at the gas pump, with prices surging to over $3.40 per gallon on average nationwide. Voters who supported President Trump in the last election are among those expressing frustration, having expected him to deliver lower gas prices. While some see the conflict as necessary, others worry it will drag on, further straining household budgets. The issue is uniting people across the political spectrum in their aggravation over sticker shock at the gas station.
Why it matters
The rising gas prices stemming from the war with Iran are hitting Americans hard, regardless of their political affiliation. This issue could have significant implications for the upcoming midterm elections, as voters express disappointment over broken promises of lower fuel costs and concern about the broader economic impact of the conflict.
The details
Prices at the pump have jumped from around $2.90 per gallon a month ago to a national average of $3.48 on Monday, according to AAA data. Voters like Francisco Castillo, a 43-year-old factory worker who supported Trump, are feeling the pinch, saying the president's promises of lower gas prices have not materialized. Others, like independent voter Ray Albrecht, say they will have to curb their travel plans if prices reach $5 per gallon. The issue is resonating across the political spectrum, with Democrats, Republicans, and independents all voicing frustration.
- The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war with Iran.
- A Quinnipiac poll conducted over the weekend found about half of registered voters oppose the U.S. military action against Iran while about 4 in 10 support it.
The players
Francisco Castillo
A 43-year-old factory worker who voted for President Trump in the last election.
Ray Albrecht
A 67-year-old independent voter who tows a 32-foot camper with his Silverado pickup truck.
Kathryn Price Engelhard
A 70-year-old retired nonprofit executive director and strong Democrat.
Vivian Knight
A 53-year-old former exterminator out on disability.
Anthony Gooden
A 57-year-old from Redford Township who drives a Chevy Equinox EV.
What they’re saying
“I thought that he was going to bring some of those things back, but the war in Iran is now making everything worse.”
— Francisco Castillo, factory worker
“If I had to go to work or something like that, gas prices would be ridiculous.”
— Vivian Knight, former exterminator out on disability
“Whoa, they're going through it right now. And it's only getting worse.”
— Anthony Gooden
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
