Gas Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Tensions with Iran

The national average price for regular gasoline in the U.S. saw a significant increase, rising more than 9 cents overnight, from $4.30 on Thursday to $4.392 on Friday.

This new figure is $0.333 higher than the average price of $4.059 a week prior. It’s worth noting that the average price for regular gas last year was only $3.187.

The all-time high for the AAA national average price reached $5.016 on June 14, 2022, during President Biden’s administration.

Gasoline Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Standoff Continues

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House on Friday for their perspective on this spike.

With ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the Trump administration has tightened its blockade on Iranian ports.

Currently, oil prices are on the rise. Brent crude has climbed above $111 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate is over $105 per barrel.

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Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, emphasized the blockade’s effectiveness, stating, “Currently, 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of crude oil cannot be sold to the Iranian regime, worth over $6 billion, with no economic gain for their leadership.” He reasserted the military’s commitment to thorough enforcement of these measures.

Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota voiced her concerns on Thursday, claiming that “Minnesotans are bearing the cost of this administration’s conflict with Iran as gas prices continue to climb, affecting families, small businesses, and farmers.” Meanwhile, Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona remarked that the situation has caused gas prices to soar, increasing summer travel expenses. He mentioned his focus on lowering costs for families.

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In response to the rising gasoline prices, Senator Dick Durbin pointed out that “Gasoline prices have hit wartime levels, inflation is up, and Americans are reeling from high costs.” He criticized Senate Republicans for blocking a resolution aimed at allowing further military actions against Iran, suggesting their silence supports the current presidential strategy.

The Senate Republican Twitter account countered Durbin’s remarks, highlighting that “Under Biden and the Democrats, gas prices exceeded $5 a gallon and inflation hit over 9%. Senator Durbin appeared unconcerned about inflation at that time, and his current stance seems to favor the Iranian regime over American military interests.”