Gas Prices Surge in Iowa Despite U.S. Avoiding Iranian Oil

Industry expert says global oil market dynamics, not just local factors, are driving up costs at the pump

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Despite the U.S. not buying oil directly from Iran, gas prices in Iowa have risen 36 cents per gallon in the past week, now averaging $2.98, while the national average is $3.25. A AAA-Iowa spokesperson says this is due to the global nature of the oil market, where disruptions to supply in one region can significantly impact prices elsewhere.

Why it matters

The rise in gas prices is squeezing Iowans' budgets and raising concerns about the impact of global geopolitical tensions on the local economy, even when the U.S. is not directly involved. This highlights the interconnectedness of the global oil market and the challenges of insulating local consumers from international market forces.

The details

According to Brian Ortner, a spokesperson for AAA-Iowa, the recent price hikes are due to Iran's status as a "key player in the oil market." He explains that "any disruption to its oil infrastructure or the region has consequences" that reverberate globally, leading to supply shortfalls and higher prices even in areas like Iowa that do not directly import Iranian oil.

  • On March 6, 2026, gas prices in Iowa averaged $2.98 per gallon.
  • In the past week, gas prices in Iowa have risen 36 cents per gallon.

The players

Brian Ortner

A spokesperson for AAA-Iowa, an automotive and travel organization.

Iran

A major player in the global oil market whose disruptions can impact prices worldwide.

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What they’re saying

“Iran is a key player in the oil market, and obviously, as we're seeing, any disruption to its oil infrastructure or the region has consequences.”

— Brian Ortner, AAA-Iowa spokesperson (kbur.com)

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex, interconnected nature of the global oil market, where events and disruptions in one part of the world can have significant ripple effects on consumers thousands of miles away. It underscores the challenges policymakers and consumers face in insulating local economies from international market forces.