Gas Prices Surge 21% Amid Iran Conflict

Inflation figures show energy costs driving highest price hikes in two years

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:20pm

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A geometric abstract illustration featuring overlapping triangles and circles in shades of red, orange, and blue, conceptually representing the volatility and disruption in energy markets and consumer prices.Skyrocketing fuel costs driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict are fueling broader inflation and economic uncertainty.Charleston Today

Spikes in energy prices caused by the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran drove up inflation for Americans in March, according to the latest consumer price index figures released Friday. Fuel costs were the main driver, with gasoline and fuel oil together rising 10.9% in March compared to the previous month. Singled out, gas prices jumped 21.2% in March, reaching an average of $4.15 nationwide as of Friday.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in gas and energy prices is emerging as a major political issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with Democrats blaming President Trump's policies for the affordability crisis facing many American households.

The details

Iran's de facto takeover of the Strait of Hormuz by threatening to strike any tankers, other than a handful from friendly countries, has caused the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, according to the International Energy Agency. Prior to the war, a gallon of regular hadn't topped $3 all year. Despite a tenuous ceasefire agreed to Tuesday evening, Iran is still controlling the strait, with only one oil tanker transiting on Wednesday compared to 10 the previous day.

  • The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran began on February 28, 2026.
  • Inflation figures for March 2026 were released on April 11, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who launched the joint war in Iran with Israel on February 28, 2026.

Ken Martin

The Chair of the Democratic National Committee who criticized President Trump for the higher inflation and gas prices.

Kush Desai

The White House senior deputy press secretary who responded to the inflation figures, defending President Trump's policies.

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What they’re saying

“Trump promised to 'lower prices on Day One,' and instead he waged an unhinged trade war and started an unpopular war with Iran — and what have Americans gotten in return? Nothing except even higher prices. Americans are sick and tired of this president putting his own interests first and using their hard-earned dollars to fund his war instead of making health care more affordable or expanding access to child care.”

— Ken Martin, Democratic National Committee Chair

“Although gas and energy prices are seeing volatility, prices of eggs, beef, prescription drugs, dairy, and other household essentials are falling or remain stable thanks to President Trump's policies. As the Administration ensures the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, the American economy remains on a solid trajectory thanks to the Administration's robust supply-side agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance.”

— Kush Desai, White House senior deputy press secretary

What’s next

Despite the ceasefire agreement, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense, and the impact on global oil supplies and prices is still unfolding. The Biden administration is expected to continue diplomatic efforts to restore the free flow of tanker traffic through the strategic waterway.

The takeaway

The surge in gas and energy prices driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict has become a major political liability for the Trump administration, with Democrats seizing on the affordability crisis facing many American households ahead of the crucial 2026 midterm elections.