Conflict in Iran Drives Up US Gas Prices Amid Rising Tensions

New strikes on Iranian targets by US and Israel contribute to higher fuel costs in Southeast Texas

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Escalating Middle East tensions have sparked new waves of strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iranian infrastructure, including mobile missile launchers and weapons facilities. The conflict is affecting global energy markets, pushing up crude oil prices and driving a nearly 27-cent jump in the national average price for regular gasoline over the past week. Drivers in Southeast Texas are already seeing the impact, with prices in Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties averaging around $2.74 to $2.75 per gallon.

Why it matters

The conflict in the Middle East is contributing to uncertainty in global oil markets, which experts say is the primary driver behind the recent spike in gas prices across the United States. This is putting a financial squeeze on drivers in Southeast Texas and elsewhere, who are already dealing with the effects of high inflation on their household budgets.

The details

According to officials, the latest strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces are targeting Iranian infrastructure, including mobile missile launchers and weapons facilities. Fighting has also been reported in Lebanon, and at least 15 other countries are now involved in the conflict. As the situation intensifies, the U.S. has closed several embassies in the region and thousands of Americans are working to leave the area.

  • The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped nearly 27 cents in the last week.
  • The price of oil was generally in the mid-50s last week, but is now $71 to $72 a barrel.

The players

Ed Hirs

Energy fellow at the University of Houston.

Kenneth Thomas

A driver in Southeast Texas.

Scott Coffman

Shop manager at Turner Automotive in Southeast Texas.

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What they’re saying

“The price of oil was generally in the mid-50s. Last week it was in the mid-60s. Now it's 71 to $72 a barrel. If we take about a million plus barrels a day off of the global market, the price goes up about 20 to 25%.”

— Ed Hirs, Energy fellow (12newsnow.com)

“I turned in and my heart just dropped. I get it right here, it's $2.69. I almost fell out the truck.”

— Kenneth Thomas (12newsnow.com)

“Some of the best tips you can do is just make sure your car is up to running condition. If your tires aren't aired up properly, you get too much resistance, so it's gonna make you use more gasoline. You should be changing an air filter every 10,000 miles. It's cheap. The engine breathes through it. It's like putting a plastic bag over your head. You can't breathe with it. Well, if your air breather stopped up, your car can't breathe.”

— Scott Coffman, Shop manager (12newsnow.com)

What’s next

Officials said about 20,000 Americans have returned to the United States since Saturday, including some on charter flights arranged by the State Department. The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The conflict in the Middle East is contributing to uncertainty in global oil markets, driving up gas prices and putting a financial squeeze on drivers in Southeast Texas and across the country. While drivers can't control global forces, basic vehicle maintenance and adjustments to driving habits can help improve fuel efficiency and save money at the pump.