New York State Gas Surge Leaves Drivers Paying Millions

Senator Chuck Schumer blames President Trump's policies for the spike in gas prices costing New Yorkers over $265 million more at the pump.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A geometric composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of red, blue, and yellow, conceptually representing the financial strain of rising gas prices on consumers.Soaring gas prices force New York families to pay a 'reckless war tax' at the pump.Buffalo Today

Gas prices in New York State have surged past $4 per gallon, and Senator Chuck Schumer is pointing the finger at President Trump's policies, including the conflict with Iran and tariffs, as the driving forces behind the price hike. Schumer says New Yorkers have paid over $265 million more at the gas pump since the start of military operations in Iran, while the conflict has already cost American taxpayers $11.3 billion in its first six days.

Why it matters

Rising gas prices have a significant impact on New York families, farmers, and small businesses, forcing them to spend millions more on fuel. This comes at a time when many are still recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. Schumer is using these numbers to criticize the Trump administration's foreign policy and economic decisions, which he says are directly responsible for the 'reckless war tax' New Yorkers are now paying at the pump.

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 pump than they did on February 28, with the average pickup truck now costing around $145 to fill, an SUV around $58, and a sedan about $52.

  • Military operations in Iran began in early 2026.
  • Gas prices in New York State have averaged over $4 per gallon since the start of the conflict.

The players

Senator Chuck Schumer

The senior United States Senator from New York and the current Senate Majority Leader, who is criticizing President Trump's policies for the surge in gas prices affecting New Yorkers.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose administration's policies regarding the conflict in Iran and tariffs are being blamed by Schumer for the rise 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

This story highlights the significant economic impact that geopolitical conflicts and policy decisions can have on everyday consumers, with New Yorkers paying millions more at the pump due to the Trump administration's actions. It underscores the need for policymakers to carefully consider the downstream effects of their decisions on the public.