Gas Prices Surge as Iran War Hits Americans at the Pump

Frustration grows across party lines as the cost of the conflict impacts drivers nationwide

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Americans across the political spectrum are feeling the impact of the Iran war at the gas pump, as prices spike and frustration grows. Voters who supported President Trump are among those expressing disappointment that his promises to lower gas prices have not materialized. The national average gas price has risen from $2.90 a month ago to $3.48 a gallon, with the conflict overseas cited as a key factor driving up costs.

Why it matters

The surge in gas prices is a tangible way the Iran war is affecting Americans' daily lives, cutting into household budgets and aggravating political divisions. The issue crosses party lines, uniting voters in their frustration over the rising costs and the sense that politicians' promises don't match the reality at the pump.

The details

In interviews at gas stations in several states, voters from across the political spectrum expressed dismay over the rising prices. Some, like a 43-year-old Iowa factory worker who voted for Trump, felt let down by the president's failure to deliver on his pledge to bring gas prices down. Others, like a 70-year-old Pennsylvania retiree, said the war's impact on oil and gas prices was entirely predictable. 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 in Iran.
  • A Quinnipiac poll conducted over the weekend found about half of registered voters oppose the U.S. military action against Iran while about 4 in 10 support it.

The players

Francisco Castillo

A 43-year-old Iowa factory worker who voted for President Trump in the last election.

Robert Coon

A Nebraska resident who believes the strikes in Iran needed to happen, though he fears U.S. involvement will not go as planned.

Ray Albrecht

A 67-year-old independent voter from Wisconsin who is continuing to travel with his 32-foot camper, though he says he would stop if gas reaches $5 per gallon.

Kathryn Price Engelhard

A 70-year-old retired nonprofit executive director and "strong Democrat" from Pennsylvania who has had to cut back on home heating oil due to rising prices.

Anthony Gooden

A 57-year-old Michigan resident who ditched his internal combustion engine vehicle over a year ago and is now driving an electric Chevy Equinox.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Newsweek)

“I thought that he was going to bring some of those things back, but the war in Iran is now making everything worse.”

— Francisco Castillo, Iowa factory worker (Newsweek)

“You've just got to fill it up and bite the bullet and hope that the prices go back down — that's all I can really do. I still have to get from point A to point B, and I need gas to do that.”

— Tyler Nepple, 23-year-old Republican-leaning startup founder (Newsweek)

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

— Vivian Knight, 53-year-old former exterminator on disability (Newsweek)

“The gas price could have gone down to two cents a gallon and I'd vote against him.”

— Joey Perillo, 74-year-old political independent, retired actor and volunteer firefighter (Newsweek)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.