Summer Travel Expected to Cost More as Fuel Prices Climb

Rising fuel costs linked to the war in Iran are driving up prices for gas and jet fuel, impacting travel plans.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:48am

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Rising fuel costs linked to the war in Iran are expected to make travel more expensive this spring and summer, according to economists and travel experts. Gas prices in Utah have already climbed to around $4 per gallon, and the national average price for regular gasoline has increased by 68 cents to $3.56 per gallon in just two weeks. The cost of jet fuel has also surged, going from $2.50 per gallon to $4.56 per gallon. Travel agents say flight prices have increased between 10% and 15% in recent weeks, and they expect prices to remain elevated through the summer due to both seasonal demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Why it matters

The rising fuel costs highlight how global oil markets can affect U.S. consumers, even though the U.S. is a major oil producer. When production and distribution are disrupted in the Middle East, the price shock is felt across the country. This is especially impactful for the travel industry, as higher fuel prices translate directly into higher airfare and other travel costs for consumers.

The details

The fuel price increases are linked to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28th. In Utah, drivers have been paying around $4 per gallon for regular fuel, and one driver said he paid over $100 to fill up his truck. Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline rose from $2.88 per gallon on March 2nd to $3.56 per gallon two weeks later. The cost of jet fuel has also surged, going from $2.50 per gallon to $4.56 per gallon by March 20th. Travel agents say flight prices have increased 10-15% in recent weeks and expect them to remain elevated through the summer.

  • On February 28th, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran occurred.
  • On March 2nd, the national average price for regular gasoline was $2.88 per gallon.
  • Two weeks later, on March 16th, the national average price had increased by 68 cents to $3.56 per gallon.
  • By March 20th, the cost of jet fuel had surged from $2.50 per gallon to $4.56 per gallon.

The players

Roy Peterson

A driver in Salt Lake City, Utah who recently paid over $100 to fill up his truck with gas.

Phil Dean

Chief economist at the University of Utah's Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, who said higher fuel costs are already affecting travel prices.

Suzy Gustafson

A veteran travel agent who said flight prices have increased 10-15% in recent weeks and expects prices to remain elevated through the summer.

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What they’re saying

“I put a little over half a tank in the truck yesterday, and it was a little over $100.”

— Roy Peterson, Driver

“All signs are that it will be more expensive. Prices typically go up in the summer, but on top of that, the situation in Iran is leading to higher travel costs.”

— Phil Dean, Chief Economist

“They've definitely ticked up. Prices will likely stay higher for a while.”

— Suzy Gustafson, Travel Agent

What’s next

Travelers who have already booked summer trips may benefit from locking in airfare early, while those who have not booked yet are advised to plan and check prices as soon as possible to try to get the best deals before prices rise further.

The takeaway

The rising fuel costs driven by the war in Iran are having a significant impact on the travel industry, with higher gas and jet fuel prices translating into increased airfare and other travel costs for consumers. This highlights the interconnected nature of global oil markets and how geopolitical events can quickly affect everyday Americans, even in a major oil-producing country like the United States.