New Yorkers Pay Millions More at the Pump Due to Iran Conflict

Senator Schumer blames President Trump's policies for the surge in gas prices across the state.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the economic impact of rising gas prices on New Yorkers.The surge in gas prices across New York State is forcing families and businesses to pay millions more at the pump, a 'reckless war tax' that Senator Schumer blames on the Trump administration's policies.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 ongoing conflict with Iran. According to a congressional report cited by Schumer's office, New Yorkers have paid over $265 million more for gas since military operations in Iran began, with American families nationally paying $8.4 billion more at the pump compared to pre-conflict prices.

Why it matters

The steep rise in gas prices is having a significant financial impact on New York families, farmers, and small businesses, who are now forced to spend millions more on fuel. Schumer argues that the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions and economic policies are directly responsible for this 'reckless war tax' that drivers across the state are now paying.

The details

According to Schumer, gas prices in New York are now averaging over $4 per gallon, with the cost to fill up the average pickup truck reaching around $145, an SUV costing $58, and a sedan around $52. Schumer blames both the conflict in Iran and the administration's tariff policies for the surge in prices, noting that Trump had campaigned on a promise to bring gas prices below $2 per gallon.

  • The conflict in Iran began in early 2026.
  • Schumer cited a congressional report that tracked the price increases since the start of military operations.

The players

Senator Chuck Schumer

The senior United States Senator from New York, who is criticizing the Trump administration's policies for the rise in gas prices across the state.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose policies Schumer blames for the 'reckless war tax' that New Yorkers are now paying at the gas pump.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 Trump administration to end the conflict in Iran and take steps to lower gas prices for American families.

The takeaway

This story highlights the significant financial burden that New Yorkers are facing due to the surge in gas prices, which Schumer argues is directly tied to the Trump administration's foreign policy decisions and economic policies. The rising costs are impacting families, businesses, and the broader state economy.