Iran War Drives Up Gas Prices Across Political Divide

The cost of the conflict is hitting Americans in the wallet, aggravating voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The war in Iran is driving up gas prices across the United States, impacting Americans of all political affiliations. Voters from both parties are expressing frustration over the rising costs, which are affecting their daily lives and potentially shaping their votes in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

The surge in gas prices is a tangible reminder to voters of the real-world consequences of the Iran conflict, which many see as a political decision made without sufficient public discussion. This issue is uniting Americans across the political spectrum, as they grapple with the financial strain of higher fuel costs.

The details

Gas prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, with the national average reaching $3.48 per gallon, up from $2.90 a month ago before the war began. This is hitting Americans hard, regardless of their political leanings. Some, like factory worker Francisco Castillo, feel let down by President Trump's promises to lower gas prices. Others, such as retiree Kathryn Price Engelhard, are having to cut back on expenses like home heating oil due to the increased costs.

  • The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war.
  • A Quinnipiac poll conducted over the weekend found about half of registered voters oppose the U.S. military action against Iran.

The players

Francisco Castillo

A 43-year-old factory worker who voted for President Trump in the last election, but is now disappointed that the war in Iran is making gas prices worse.

Robert Coon

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

Ray Albrecht

A 67-year-old independent voter from Wisconsin who is still able to afford to haul his 32-foot camper on his Silverado pickup truck, but says he would stop traveling 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 resident of Redford Township, Michigan, who is grateful to have switched to an electric vehicle, avoiding the pain at the pump that gas-powered vehicle owners are experiencing.

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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.”

— Donald Trump, President (Associated Press)

“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, Factory worker (Associated Press)

“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.”

— Tyler Nepple, 23-year-old startup founder (Associated Press)

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 issue is uniting Americans across the political spectrum, as they grapple with the financial strain of higher fuel costs due to the war in Iran. The surge in gas prices is a tangible reminder to voters of the real-world consequences of political decisions, which could shape their votes in the upcoming midterm elections.