Gas Prices Soar as War Rages, Straining Americans' Budgets

Drivers, especially those who rely on their vehicles for work, are scrambling to find ways to cope with the rapid price increases.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As the U.S.-led war with Iran enters its second week, drivers across the country are reeling from the rapid rise in gas prices, which have jumped nearly 17% since the conflict began. Commuters, ride-share workers, and business owners who rely on gas-powered equipment are all feeling the strain on their budgets, with some having to drive extra hours just to make the same amount of money. While some see the price hikes through a political lens, blaming the Trump administration, others view the war as a necessary action. With no clear end in sight to the conflict, consumers are already looking for ways to cut costs, such as using apps to find the cheapest gas and consolidating trips.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in gas prices is having a significant impact on Americans' cost of living, forcing many to rethink their budgets and daily routines. This is particularly challenging for those who rely on their vehicles for work, such as ride-share drivers and business owners, as the higher fuel costs are directly cutting into their earnings. The political implications of the price hikes are also being debated, with some blaming the current administration's actions.

The details

The average price of U.S. gasoline reached $3.48 a gallon on Monday, with the highest prices in California and other western states. The price spikes are rooted in the supply of crude oil coming from the Persian Gulf, as tankers that normally carry oil there are not sailing, cutting the world off from about one-fifth of its oil supply. The price of oil jumped above $100 a barrel on Monday after attacks intensified, although it had fallen by late afternoon.

  • On Monday, gas prices in the U.S. reached an average of $3.48 per gallon.
  • Gas prices have jumped by nearly 17% since February 28, when the United States and Israel first attacked Iran.
  • Gas costs have not been at these levels since 2024.

The players

Brandon Moore

A 41-year-old delivery driver in Birmingham, Alabama who buys his own fuel and is feeling the sting of the rapidly rising gas prices.

Luke Roan

A 57-year-old prison psychologist who commutes about 60 miles round-trip from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to Clinton, New Jersey for work.

Jan Potts

A 66-year-old retired former truck driver in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania who voted for former President Trump.

Ben Bergin

A 47-year-old project manager at a well drilling company in Hawaii, where gas prices averaged $4.52 per gallon on Monday.

James Anderson

A 73-year-old who owns a golf course business outside of Dallas, Texas and uses 1,500 gallons of diesel a month to fuel lawn mowers, excavators and other equipment.

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What they’re saying

“I am just hoping it doesn't get too much worse. I am watching the news, trying to figure out what is going to happen with this war and what it's going to mean every time I go to the gas station.”

— Brandon Moore, delivery driver

“It's harder to exist with the price of everything going up, and I expect it to get worse.”

— Luke Roan, prison psychologist

“If what I heard — that Iran was going to attack us — if that was true, then he was smart to do it. If not, then maybe it was uncalled for.”

— Jan Potts, retired former truck driver

“I have entire crews of guys who live in the Hilo area but commute to Waikoloa daily. Their fuel costs are already $400 a week or more.”

— Ben Bergin, project manager at a well drilling company

“What I'm worried about is $6 a gallon. I don't have a choice. I have a million-dollar business and I have to operate it.”

— James Anderson, golf course business owner

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This rapid rise in gas prices is straining the budgets of Americans across the country, particularly those who rely on their vehicles for work. While some view the price hikes through a political lens, the underlying issue is the disruption to global oil supply caused by the ongoing conflict. Consumers are already looking for ways to cut costs, but there is uncertainty about how long these high prices will last.