Americans Frustrated by Soaring Gas Prices Amid Iran War

Rising fuel costs hit voters across political spectrum as conflict overseas impacts wallets at the pump

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As the United States finds itself embroiled in a new war with Iran, Americans across the political spectrum are expressing frustration over skyrocketing gas prices that are straining household budgets. From Iowa to Pennsylvania to Florida, drivers are voicing anger at the sticker shock they're facing at the pump, with the national average gas price jumping from $2.90 a month ago to $3.48 a gallon. While some support the military action against Iran, the vast majority are concerned about the economic toll the conflict is taking, with three-quarters of voters worried about the impact on gas and oil prices according to a recent poll.

Why it matters

The surge in gas prices is a tangible way that the costs of the war with Iran are being felt by average Americans, uniting people across partisan lines in their aggravation. The issue could become a political liability for the president, who had promised to bring down fuel costs but is now presiding over a spike that is squeezing household budgets and threatening to curb consumer spending and economic growth.

The details

Drivers interviewed at gas stations in multiple states expressed dismay at having to pay significantly more to fill up their tanks, with prices up nearly 60 cents per gallon in the past month. Some, like a factory worker in Iowa, felt betrayed by the president's failure to deliver on his pledge to lower gas prices. Others, like a retiree in Pennsylvania, said the higher costs were forcing them to cut back on driving and home heating oil. Electric vehicle owners, meanwhile, said they were grateful for their decision to go green as they cruised past crowded gas stations.

  • The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war with Iran began.

The players

Francisco Castillo

A 43-year-old factory worker in Iowa who voted for President Trump but is now frustrated by rising gas prices.

Robert Coon

A resident of Omaha, Nebraska who supports the military action against Iran but fears the conflict will not be resolved quickly.

Ray Albrecht

A 67-year-old independent voter from Wisconsin who is continuing to tow his large camper despite the higher fuel costs.

Kathryn Price Engelhard

A 70-year-old retired nonprofit executive director and strong Democrat in Pennsylvania who has had to cut back on gas and home heating oil due to the price increases.

Anthony Gooden

A 57-year-old resident of Redford Township, Michigan who is grateful to be driving an electric vehicle and avoiding the pain at the pump.

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What they’re saying

“He said he was going to bring gas down, but the war in Iran is now making everything worse.”

— Francisco Castillo, Factory worker (wklh.com)

“We're putting an end to all of this threat once and for all, and the result will be lower oil prices, oil and gas prices for American families.”

— President Donald Trump (wklh.com)

“I've been pretty grateful that the gas prices have been really reasonable' at least until the last week.”

— Ray Albrecht, Independent voter (wklh.com)

“If I had to go to work or something like that, gas prices would be ridiculous.”

— Vivian Knight, Former exterminator on disability (wklh.com)

“Whoa, they're going through it right now. And it's only getting worse.”

— Anthony Gooden, Electric vehicle owner (wklh.com)

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 surge in gas prices highlights the real-world economic impact of the war with Iran, uniting Americans across the political spectrum in their frustration over the rising cost of living. It also raises questions about the president's ability to fulfill his campaign promises and the broader implications for the economy and voters' priorities heading into the midterm elections.