New York Drivers Hit Hard as Gas Costs Surge Millions

Senator Schumer blames Trump's conflict in Iran for rising prices at the pump

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:21pm

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A vibrant abstract illustration using bold red, blue, and yellow geometric shapes to conceptually represent the economic impact of rising gas prices, without any literal depictions of money, gas pumps, or other direct visual references.Soaring gas prices driven by geopolitical tensions are taking a heavy financial toll on New Yorkers.Buffalo Today

Gas prices in New York State have surged past $4 per gallon, and Senator Chuck Schumer says the conflict in Iran started by President Trump is costing New Yorkers an extra $265 million at the gas pump. Schumer is calling the rising costs a "reckless war tax" that is hurting families, farmers, and small businesses across the state.

Why it matters

The spike in gas prices is putting a significant financial strain on New York residents and businesses, with the average cost to fill up a pickup truck now around $145. Schumer is directly blaming the Trump administration's policies and the conflict in Iran as the main drivers behind these rising costs.

The details

According to a congressional report cited by Schumer's office, New Yorkers have paid more than $265 million more for gas since military operations in Iran began. Nationally, the report claims American families have paid $8.4 billion more at the pump compared to prices before the conflict started. Schumer says families across the country are spending 35% more at the gas pump than they did on February 28.

  • The conflict in Iran began in early 2026.
  • Gas prices in New York have surged past $4 per gallon as of April 2026.

The players

Senator Chuck Schumer

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New York who is criticizing the Trump administration's policies for the rise in gas prices.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose conflict in Iran and tariff policies Schumer blames for the surge in gas prices.

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What they’re saying

“Trump started a war in Iran with no clear plan or strategy, and now New Yorkers are stuck paying the price at the gas pump. The Trump administration doesn't even pretend to care, saying, 'If they rise, they rise.' Meanwhile, our families, farmers, and small businesses all get forced to spend millions more on gas.”

— Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

“Day after day, Americans are paying a whopping 'war tax' at the gas pump and beyond thanks to Donald Trump's rash and damaging foreign policy and failed economic policy. This reckless war in Iran is costing Americans billions, and it must end.”

— Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Schumer is calling on the Biden administration to take action to lower gas prices and end the conflict in Iran that is driving up costs for New Yorkers.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices across New York State is putting a major financial burden on families, businesses, and the broader economy, with Schumer directly blaming the Trump administration's policies and the conflict in Iran as the root causes of these rising costs.