Rising fuel prices in the United States, triggered by the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, are starting to strain household budgets and spark concerns among voters ahead of the midterm election.
Petrol stations across major US cities reported long queues as consumers rushed to secure fuel amid a sharp surge in prices.
In the US capital, Sean Robinson, a 54-year-old schoolteacher, said he was shocked when he saw the pump price for a gallon of regular petrol jump to $3.27. “It is a sizeable increase,” he told AFP. “It affects my daily life. Even short trips feel like a luxury now.”
Other residents expressed similar worries. Toloria Washington, 39, a finance professional in Washington, said, “Fuel affects all areas of life - food, housing, commuting. We are in survival mode.”
The jump in domestic prices reflects global oil market volatility. Brent North Sea crude surged to $92.69 per barrel, up 8.5 per cent, while West Texas Intermediate rose over 12 per cent to $90.90 per barrel, marking one of the largest weekly gains on record.
The spike comes as Iran effectively blocked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for nearly 20 per cent of the world’s crude and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Market analysts warned that sustained high fuel prices could further pressure the US economy. Rising energy costs may push inflation higher, complicating the Federal Reserve’s efforts to maintain stable prices while supporting employment.
“The longer this disruption lasts, the greater the risk of inflation impacting households and the wider economy,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
US economic indicators released on Friday added to the uncertainty. The country unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February, while retail sales fell 0.2 per cent. The combination of high fuel costs and slowing job growth has heightened concern among middle- and low-income Americans.
At gas stations, frustration is mounting. Lucas Tamaren, 32, at a Los Angeles petrol station, described daily life as “chaotic and unpredictable” amid soaring prices.
“Every day you calculate every mile you drive, every errand you run,” he said.
President Donald Trump, facing mounting political pressure, said he expects fuel prices to stabilise soon.
However, analysts say ongoing disruptions in the Middle East could prolong high energy costs and affect household spending, potentially influencing voter sentiment in the upcoming election.
Stock markets also reflected the turmoil. On Friday, the Dow Jones fell 1.3 per cent to 47,501.55, the S&P 500 dropped 1.3 per cent to 6,740.02, and the Nasdaq slid 1.6 per cent to 22,387.68.
European indices showed similar declines, while Asian markets were mixed. Analysts said the volatility is a direct consequence of geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.
The crisis has already prompted Americans to reconsider daily routines. “You think twice before driving, you cut back on non-essential spending, and even small things become difficult,” Robinson said.
For many households, the fuel price surge is more than a financial issue - it affects daily survival and long-term planning.
As the Middle East conflict continues, global energy prices are expected to remain volatile, forcing US consumers to adjust to higher costs and uncertain supply.
Economists warn that if the disruptions persist, the ripple effects could extend beyond fuel, influencing inflation, employment and overall economic stability.
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