Drivers Reeling From Highest Gas Prices in Years

Soaring fuel costs reshape Americans' daily lives and budgets

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:08am

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Gas prices have hit a national average of $4 per gallon, the highest since 2022, impacting drivers' budgets and daily routines across the country. Drivers are adjusting their commutes, travel plans, and spending habits to cope with the steep rise in fuel costs, which many blame on the Trump administration's attack on Iran. The price hikes are squeezing businesses and lower-income workers the hardest, forcing some to raise prices or cut back on services.

Why it matters

The sharp increase in gas prices is a major economic and political issue, as it affects the daily lives of hundreds of millions of Americans. High fuel costs put a strain on household budgets, force businesses to raise prices, and could become a liability for the Trump administration if the president is unable to bring down prices. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the U.S. economy to global energy market fluctuations.

The details

In a single month, gas prices rose $1.05, the biggest one-month jump on record, according to GasBuddy. Drivers say the higher costs are reshaping how they live, work and travel, with commuting expenses cutting into earnings and making it harder to visit family or take vacations. Some are switching to public transportation, bicycles, or more fuel-efficient vehicles to save money. Businesses like landscaping companies are also feeling the pinch, having to raise prices or lose customers.

  • On March 31, gas prices hit a national average of $4 per gallon, the highest since August 2022.
  • On February 28, President Trump ordered an attack on Iran, which has driven fuel prices up dramatically.

The players

Amit Verma

A 30-year-old resident of Arlington, Virginia who is rethinking his driving habits due to the high gas prices.

Doug Guster

A 71-year-old landscaper based in Sacramento who has lost over $800 in profits due to rising fuel costs.

Michael Bates

A Texas-based life coach who hopes the high gas prices will pressure President Trump to reverse course on Iran.

Tim Southern

A 60-year-old Virginia resident who says he's willing to pay more for gas to support President Trump's policies.

Tasha Hill

A 36-year-old driver from Virginia who rented a fuel-efficient car for a family trip to Florida to save on gas.

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What they’re saying

“Ridiculous. Outrageous.”

— Amit Verma, Resident of Arlington, Virginia

“Over the last few weeks, I've lost like five or six customers because I have to raise my prices — all because of these gas prices. I didn't want to. But otherwise it comes out of my pockets, my overhead cost.”

— Doug Guster, Landscaper in Sacramento

“I'm not very happy with how he's been running things, and I voted for the guy. And it's going to hurt him if he can't do a something about this. Hopefully this will provide the pressure necessary to get us out of this illegal war.”

— Michael Bates, Life coach from Texas

“I believe in what the president's doing, so if it means me spending a little bit more gas to free some people in other countries … it's a small sacrifice on my part.”

— Tim Southern, Resident of Virginia

“That's outrageous.”

— Tasha Hill, Driver from Virginia

What’s next

The EPA has issued a temporary waiver that will allow more ethanol-based gas to be blended into fuel starting May 1, potentially lowering pump prices for a month. However, it remains to be seen if this will provide lasting relief for drivers.

The takeaway

The skyrocketing gas prices are putting a significant strain on American households and businesses, forcing many to rethink their driving habits and budgets. This economic issue could become a major political liability for the Trump administration if it is unable to find ways to bring down fuel costs in the near future.