As Trump Sends Gas Prices Surging Across The US, Americans Bear The Costs Of His War

Donald Trump chose to illegally initiate a war with Iran and American families are paying for it - at the gas pump, on the farm, and in their household budgets. In just one month, the national average gas price has surged nearly a dollar per gallon, one of the sharpest monthly spikes since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The administration's response? "If they rise, they rise."

In the first six days alone, the war cost American taxpayers $11.3 billion. By week's end, Americans' costs are expected to reach $25 billion - and the administration is asking for more.

Meanwhile, the national average price of gas has jumped from $2.93 to $4.01 per gallon in just one month. That increase is on pace to cost American drivers an extra $9.4 billion per month - approximately $34 per person, per month nationally.

"Donald Trump's failures are the Republican Party's failures. Every day we see more American workers out of jobs, higher energy prices, and costs rising across the board for American families," said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "Americans are tired of the high costs, inescapable chaos, and blatant corruption."

Trump campaigned on cheap energy and peace. Neither has materialized:

Who's being hit the hardest ?

The pain is being felt nationwide, but the South is absorbing the biggest blow - where residents depend more heavily on personal vehicles for daily transportation.

1. Southern states are on pace to pay $4.2 billion more per month - roughly $40 per person
2. Alabama is the most impacted state in the nation: +$52 per person, per month
3. Other top states: Mississippi (+$51), Wyoming (+$49), Kentucky (+$47), New Mexico (+$44)

Prices are expected to keep rising. If prices remain elevated, families could spend hundreds more per year.

Impacts Across Industries:

The ripple effects extend well beyond the gas pump:

1. Gig workers: Uber is rolling out expanded fuel discounts and higher earnings incentives for U.S. drivers and couriers through May 26, 2026, as rising costs squeeze gig workers.
2. Farmers: Rising fuel and fertilizer costs are threatening agricultural operations in Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and beyond, driving up food prices nationwide.
3. Truckers: Diesel has topped $5 a gallon in Missouri, putting trucking operations under severe pressure. Truckers, already on thin margins, are being squeezed by the spike in diesel prices, and those costs will be passed down to consumers.
4. Shrimpers: Louisiana's fishing industry fears a summer collapse as fuel prices surge.

See for yourself:

Stories Across the Country:

Alabama:

WVTM 13: Alabama farmers face rising costs due to Iran conflict. ""Farmers must be proactive in managing their input costs by efficiently using the resources already available and identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary expenses," said Rishi Prasad, an Alabama Extension nutrient management specialist at Auburn University." [3/26/26]

Alaska:

KTUU 2: 'It's expensive, it's painful': Alaska gas prices jump up a dollar in last month. "The average Alaska consumer says the increase in gas prices is impacting their ability to work, commute and how they spend their money. "It's $70 to fill my tank up, right? Now, its $100," said Stephanie Williams, who spoke about the prices while filling up Monday at a gas station in Anchorage." [3/23/26]

Arizona:

NBC News 12: 'Impacts everybody': Arizona gas prices rise amid U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. "AAA said that while the war with Iran continues, these prices will stick around…Just a few weeks ago, drivers across the state were seeing prices closer to $3. Paredes said that while you can't control the cost of gas, you can take steps to limit how much gas your car uses."You can maximize the fuel economy in your car," Paredes said." [3/4/26]

Arkansas:

K8 News: Rising gas prices hit Northeast Arkansas lawn care businesses. "Since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices across the country have skyrocketed, and the impact is being felt by lawn care businesses in Northeast Arkansas…"Just that one trip out and back, that costs a lot," Lammers said. To manage rising costs, Lammers now sticks to one city per day, grouping customers in the same neighborhoods on the same side of town, back-to-back." [3/26/26]

California:

The Guardian: California gas prices rise above $5 a gallon amid US war with Iran. "AAA reports that in California, the most expensive US market for gas, the average price per gallon on Monday was $5.20, compared with $3.47 nationally…"I drive Uber and I'm just getting killed right now, and I mean gas prices are just so high … they were high before the war," one driver told the outlet." [3/9/26]

Colorado:

WaPo: In Colorado, gasoline prices that keep climbing have changed daily lives for many. "In the weeks since the United States had attacked Iran, the price for a gallon in Colorado had shot up nearly 35 percent - a hike that far outpaced the national average and one the state hadn't seen in at least a quarter century…Grant's local station had diesel for $4.80, and a few others had topped $5. He let out a low whistle. "The last time I filled up, it was $3.07," he said. "It will be a sting."" [3/22/26]

Connecticut:

The 19^th: 'I can't keep up': Many single moms were struggling to get by. Then gas prices shot up. "Luna Rosado, a single mom of three in Connecticut, said she is paying about $40 more a week on gas, cutting into her budget for groceries and other essentials…"It felt almost impossible in the beginning because I didn't know how to approach the situation. Everything's just getting more expensive," said Rosado, who lives with her three kids, ages 11, 9 and 7, in Plainville, Connecticut. "I'm like, 'I can't keep up.'" [3/26/26]

Delaware:

Fox News 29: Gas and heating oil prices climb across Philadelphia, South Jersey, Delaware amid Iran war. ""If this keeps going and we keep having to raise prices to maintain margin integrity, then I think yes, the phones will start to light up. And people will probably start asking a lot of questions at that point due to prices starting to skyrocket on them," said O'Connell…In South Jersey, the average is $2.98, up ten cents overnight and ten cents in the last week." [3/3/26]

Florida:

CBS News: Florida gas prices remain at 4-year high as war with Iran continues to disrupt global oil supply chain. "Florida's average gas price jumped $1.07 a gallon, rising from $2.88 at the beginning of Match to $3.96 on Sunday. That makes it the highest daily average price Florida drivers have seen in four years, since July 2022, and is adding roughly $16 to the cost of filling at 15-gallon gas tank." [3/30/26]

Georgia:

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "The impact of the Iran war on gas prices in metro Atlanta. Prices at the pump in metro Atlanta and across Georgia have soared since the start of the war with Iran at the end of February…Gas prices typically go up in the spring thanks to rising demand and fuel companies switching to summer blends. The Iran war, however, has sent prices at the pump surging." [3/26/26]

Hawaii:

Hawaii News Now: Gas prices are likely to remain high, even when Iran conflict ends, economists say. "Hawaii drivers have seen average gas prices spike by more than 10 cents since the military operation began, according to AAA Hawaii - pushing the state past $5 a gallon and keeping it among the most expensive in the nation. A local economist noted that while the initial price surge was steep, the "rocket and feathers" effect means prices tend to fall far more slowly than they rise, meaning relief at the pump could be a long way off." [3/22/26]

Idaho:

Idaho News KTVB 7: Idaho jumps to 9th most expensive fuel in the country following 14-cent overnight jump. "The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline hit $3.98 in Idaho on March 19, a 47-cent increase from the week prior and just over a dollar more than the month before. AAA Idaho's public affairs director Matthew Conde said every state is "suffering the same fate" - soaring gas prices driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which cut off roughly 20% of the global oil supply." [3/19/26]

Illinois:

WBEZ Chicago Sun-Times: Chicagoans uneasy about gas prices as Iran war disrupts supply chain. "Illinois ranked 8th in the country for average gas prices, with California and Hawaii claiming the top two spots, and residents reported spending as much as $30 more per month just on gas. An AAA Illinois spokesperson called it a "watch and see" situation, saying the future of prices was heavily dependent on developments in Iran - and cautioned against false hope of near-term relief." [3/5/26]

Indiana:

Hoosier AG Today: No Joke on April 1: Indiana's New Gas Tax Increase Comes as Iran Conflict Triggers Surge in Fuel Prices. "The impact is rippling beyond the gas station. Economists warn that higher fuel costs increase transportation expenses, which businesses often pass on to consumers through higher prices for goods. For farmers, trucking companies and other fuel-dependent industries, the added burden can be especially acute." [3/29/26]

Iowa:

National Today: Soaring Fertilizer and Fuel Costs Squeeze Iowa Farmers Amid Iran War. "The ongoing war in Iran has led to a sharp rise in the prices of ammonia and urea, two critical fertilizer ingredients, as well as a 43.5% jump in diesel fuel costs. These surging input prices are piling on to an already struggling U.S. farm economy, with one Iowa farmer warning "it couldn't have come at a worse time." Experts say the ripple effects will impact both food producers and consumers." [3/29/26]

Kansas:

The Big Talker: Iran conflict impacts affordability in Kansas. "Higher diesel costs mean distributors pay more to move food on trucks, and that filters into shelf prices. "I am growing more concerned because diesel in the first ten days of this month went up over a dollar a gallon, and we are still climbing," McLain said. "There's really no alternative other than raising the shipping rates at this point to compensate for that. And that will be passed on to consumers in addition to being paying more at the pump as well for their own personal vehicles."" [3/11/26]

Kentucky:

The Guardian: Trump's Iran war stirs anger in Maga country Kentucky. "In Appalachia, a deeply red region hit by poverty and cuts, some ask why billions are going to war instead of home…"Do I think the money spent on tomahawk [missiles] could be spent elsewhere? Absolutely, we need community centers … that money could be used to build up community. But what does it build up to if there is a greater evil beside you," he says, referring to the Iranian regime." [3/21/26]

Louisiana:

ACC News 11: Louisiana shrimpers fear summer collapse as fuel prices surge. "Westwego fishermen and seafood sellers say rising gas and diesel costs are threatening shrimp season and pushing prices higher across the supply chain…"I just got that motor rebuilt two years ago and it cost me $6,500 dollars," Frickey said. "Some of these boats burn 100 gallons of fuel at night so that's $500 a night you gotta catch $500 worth of shrimp to pay for the fuel."" [3/27/26]

Maine:

WGME 13: Fuel prices continue to rise in Maine as conflict in Iran drags on. "I just think it's ridiculous," Christie Zartman, who is concerned about high fuel prices, said. "They just keep going up."… "It's certainly going to take a big stab at your budget," Fred O'Keefe, who is concerned about high fuel prices, said. "It's having a huge impact on your finances. You have to cut back on things." [3/26/26]

Maryland:

The Baltimore Banner: Uber, Lyft drivers in Maryland - already struggling - hit with rising gas prices. "In the parking lot at BWI Airport where the drivers for Uber and Lyft wait for their next fares, a large digital sign looms across the street and tells them life is about to get harder. It's the Shell station, where the price of gas ticks up and up and up… "This is very hard. How can I explain? It's very difficult to survive," said Cem Rezmi, 53, of Towson." [3/27/26]

Massachusetts:

CBS News: Raspberries an early sign of rising grocery prices due to Iran war, experts say: "If the price of oil is high, everything's high". "USDA reports show wholesale prices of raspberries in Boston have gone up about 40% since January. "There's a lot of oil that needs to be used to transport those things far distances," explained Boston University Questrom School of Business Professor Jay Zagorsky. "Things are coming on boats, they're coming on trucks, they're coming on planes. But all three of those transport methods, they use oil of some type of another." [3/31/26]

Michigan:

NPR: Higher gas prices put the squeeze on the people who deliver your food. "Drivers making deliveries for DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub are independent contractors, who have to keep a close eye on their bottom line. "I run a simple spreadsheet every day," says Lee Dahl, who delivers for multiple food apps on Detroit's West Side. "How many hours, how many miles, what I made, tips, et cetera." But a key variable in Dahl's calculations changed when the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran sent gas prices soaring." [3/25/26]

Minnesota:

CBS News: Impact of rising gas prices seen across Minnesota as war in Iran continues. "We have about 100 volunteers a week who are driving about 5,500 miles a week and so they are doing a lot of driving for us," Open Arms Minnesota CEO Leah Hebert Welles said. They are delivering made-from-scratch, medically specific meals. Travis Arhart makes deliveries three times a day… Filling up the delivery truck usually costs about $70, Arthart says, but over the last couple of weeks, it has gone up to over $100." [3/23/26]

Mississippi:

ABC WAPT 16: Gas station with low prices runs dry as pain at the pump surges. "As gas prices continue to soar as part of the trickle-down effects from the war with Iran, one local gas station ran out of gas. Drivers were surprised Thursday afternoon as they arrived at Murphy Express gas station on County Line and Ridgewood roads in Jackson to find out all the pumps were dry." [3/26/26]

Missouri:

KTVI St. Louis: Missouri truckers feeling pressure as diesel tops $5 a gallon. "Diesel prices are also climbing, topping five dollars a gallon in some areas. For truck drivers, that cost is hitting more than just their wallets, it's impacting their livelihood. "Many drivers have seen sticker shock at the pumps over the last month," Nick Chabaria, AAA Missouri spokesman, said… "It's taking money for sure from, you know, my family and stuff. … It's more of a hassle, you know?" Raymond Garcia said. "…But it's getting harder and harder."" [3/25/26]

Montana:

NBC Montana: Iran conflict driving most of Montana's gas spike, not seasonal hikes. "De Haan says coastal states are more impacted because gasoline and crude oil can be exported to other countries. For states like Montana, it's a different story. "Inland areas like the Rockies, the Planes and the Great Lakes, well those areas are where gasoline and oil can't easily be exported from and that softens the blow from a big surge in prices," said De Haan." [3/24/26]

Nebraska:

KMTV 3 News Now: Gas prices surge in North Downtown Omaha as U.S.-Iran war disrupts global oil supply chain. "At NP Mart near 24th and Cuming, owner Arshad Nazir said there have been multiple days in the last two weeks where he has not made a profit. Two weeks ago, he was paying under $2.50 per gallon of regular gas. Now, he is paying $3.05. E-10 gas at the pump was $3.49 on Friday. Nazir said that is up 80 cents since the war between the United States and Iran began nearly 2 weeks ago. "Sometimes the people think when the gas prices go up, the gas station are making more money. That's actually the opposite. We are feeling the pain like the customers," Nazir said." [3/13/26]

Nevada:

ABC KOLO 8: Gas prices rise in Reno as war in Iran pushes oil toward $100. "At the Quick Stop on Mill Street in Reno, a gallon of regular gasoline is now listed at $5.33. Parker says Nevada can be hit harder than many other states when energy prices rise because of regional supply and pricing dynamics. "It's made worse in the West Coast. In Reno, we're tied into the California oil market, and that market is isolated from the rest of the country." Parker said. "Generally, we pay $1 to $1.50 more per gallon of gas than the rest of the country.""[3/24/26]

New Hampshire:

ABC WMUR 9: Home heating oil prices rise across New Hampshire as conflict in Iran continues. "From October to March, Tammy has seen a 31% increase. "I mean, it's what's going on across the way, you know, it's unfortunate. We're paying here for what's happening over there," Tammy said. On average, residential heating oil costs about $3.60 per gallon nationwide in January. With the average home heating oil tank holding 275 gallons, a full fill-up could now cost more than $1,000." [3/9/26]

New Jersey:

New Jersey News 12: Expect a big bump in the price at the pump as the war with Iran drives gas prices higher. "When prices go this high, I have to think about where I have to go ahead of time - places like work take the priority," said Keymaan Coleman, of Rahway. "I'm paying attention because the prices are high and the cost is too much right now," said Devon Brooks, who drives about 78 miles per day." [3/9/26]

New Mexico:

KOB 4: Albuquerque gas prices surge after Persian Gulf closure. "Gas prices are skyrocketing across the country, with a major sea passage for the Persian Gulf closed, impacting 20% of the world's oil and natural gas.…"This vehicle is really good on gas. I'd say it'd cost me around $45, but here it's costing me around $60," Washington said. "I think they're ridiculous. It's upsetting." Nick Gurule, who works in rideshare and delivery services, said, "They're a little ridiculous, and I have to put gas in a little more often."" [3/4/26]

New York:

NBC News 10: Rochester delivery driver says rising gas prices eating into earnings. "Gas prices continue to rise across the country as the war in Iran continues. Friday's average price in Rochester is $3.92, according to GasBuddy, and it's impacting the budget of a local delivery driver. Ari drives six to eight hours daily as a full-time Instacart shopper. "It's definitely harder to make an income that's profit-based when the gas has gone up so much," Ari said. "Most of my earnings end up being put back into gas."" [3/27/26]

North Carolina:

Spectrum News 1: North Carolina farmer is paying attention as war in Iran impacts fertilizer, diesel gas prices. "North Carolina farmers are juggling a lot from tariffs to rising operation costs and now a war impacting the globe. Farmer Michael Fine of Seven Sisters Farm says if he filled up on agricultural diesel fuel just three weeks ago, he would've spent less already. "Right off the bat that's about $500 and more than we would have paid last year, just by missing the unknowns by a couple of weeks," Fine said." [3/13/26]

North Dakota:

In Forum: Gas prices rise sharply in North Dakota amid Iran war. "When gas in North Dakota was $2.59 a gallon just a month ago, a barrel of oil was about $70. "You can see that the colossal amount of oil that keeps our lights on or a standard of living sustained. So when those 20% of them, one out of every five barrels of oil, are trapped or suspended or disrupted, then it just sends these cascading effects on everybody's economy," Zakhirova said." [3/24/26]

Ohio:

NBC 4: Columbus area gas prices soaring towards $4 per gallon. "Outside of Ohio, gas prices increased nationally for the eighth straight week, this time by 2.4 cents, averaging out at $3.95 per gallon - up 98 cents from one month ago - while the price of diesel followed suit, and then some, climbing higher by 14.3 cents, settling in at $5.37 per gallon, the highest level since July, 2022." [3/30/26]

Oklahoma:

News on 6: Gas price surges and the impact on Oklahoma gig drivers. "Tulsa rideshare drivers say rising fuel costs are cutting into earnings as global oil supply concerns push prices higher…Angles says he's changed how he drives to save money. "I've been mainly being more strategic in my driving… trying not to drive around as much around town, staying mainly in certain areas." He now waits in high-demand spots, like near the airport, to get better-paying rides." [3/27/26]

Oregon:

The Oregonian: Gas prices in Oregon have leapt nearly $1 in the past month, could soon hit $5 per gallon. "The national gas average has soared more than $1 over the past month - leaping from $2.95 to $3.98 as of Tuesday, according to the American Automobile Association, or AAA. In Oregon, those numbers are even higher. The statewide average now sits at $4.87, a 33-cent jump from last week and 96 cents higher than it was a month ago." [3/24/26]

Pennsylvania:

The Keystone: Pennsylvania drivers are paying $4 for gas in some parts of the state. "Pennsylvania's gas tax is 57.6 cents per gallon, the fourth highest gas tax in the country behind only California, Washington, and Illinois… Dan Bradley, a flatbed truck driver, said he's felt rising prices for both his work and personal vehicles. Beyond regular gasoline, the US average for diesel neared $5.35 a gallon on Wednesday, per AAA, its highest level since 2022. "It sucks when you're filling up," Bradley told the Associated Press. "What are you going to do, not get gas?"" [3/26/26]

Rhode Island:

Providence Today: Gas Prices Rise Again in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. "Continued global tensions drive up costs at the pump, with no relief in sight… "While the pace of price increases at U.S. gas pumps slowed in many markets last week - and some areas even saw slight declines of a penny or two - oil and gas markets remain unsettled. War and higher oil prices will ultimately continue to be the primary driver of prices at the pump."" [3/30/26]

South Carolina:

ABC News 4: South Carolina average gas price falls 2.9 cents; still 95.5 cents higher than a month ago. "According to GasBuddy's survey of 3,028 stations in South Carolina, motorists can expect to pay an average of $3.60 per gallon at the pump as of Monday. The price of gas now sits 95.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 85.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago…."Americans have already spent nearly $8 billion more on gasoline over the past month, a trend that poses growing risks to the broader economy, while surging diesel prices may begin to reaccelerate inflation," said De Haan." [3/30/26]

South Dakota:

South Dakota Searchlight: For South Dakota farmers, the war in Iran is far worse than it may seem. "The worries are real, Nobel economics laureate Paul Krugman warned on March 21: "[T]he farmers have long since contracted for their fertilizer. They've already paid or at least signed the contracts. The prices are locked in. But will there actually be fertilizer available? It's not at all hard to imagine that the suppliers will declare force majeure, say there's a war on, which is normally a valid excuse for backing out of contracts, and simply fail to supply the fertilizer. That would be a real catastrophe." [3/27/26]

Tennessee:

ABC News 24: Gas prices climb across Tennessee as seasonal demand and crude oil costs add pressure. "Amanda Blevins said her family swaps vehicles to save money, especially since she drives a diesel truck and her husband travels for work in Florida. "He stays in a camper, so he'll borrow the truck when he needs to move around, like maybe week to week," Blevins said. "If he's somewhere for a month, he'll drive back here, and he'll take the Jeep, so it's more fuel efficient for him." [3/3/26]

Texas:

CBS- Austin: Oil experts concerned over potential 'fuel apocalypse' as Austin gas prices surge. "Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz at the end of February when the war started, blocking major global oil trade routes… "It hurts, man, just because it is something like I said, this is how I run my business. This is how I live my life. For me, operating my business is getting more expensive," said Giorgio Machnizh, an Austinite." [3/24/26]

Utah:

Fox News 13: Gas prices soar to $4.16 per gallon in Utah as Iran conflict continues. "AAA reported a gallon of gas in Utah jumped another 33 cents over the past week, and $1.38 over the past month, as the U.S. remains engulfed in the war in Iran. Utah prices have jumped higher than the national average over the last week (10 cents) and month ($1.00)." [3/26/26]

Vermont:

NBC News 5: Rising gas prices are hitting Vermonters as war in Iran rages on. "Honestly, gas prices are ridiculous. It's just way too much to fill up," said Herbie Nunez of South Burlington. For Nunez, the increase is more than an inconvenience; it is affecting his family's finances. "We're barely saving anything, maybe $50 bucks a month," Nunez said. "With prices of gas and food and everything else going up, we've eaten through our savings." [3/19/26]

Virginia:

ABC News 13: Virginia drivers, truckers face rising gas prices as war in Iran pushes costs higher. "The war in Iran has sent gas prices surging, and they're only continuing to rise… It needs to come down just a little bit. It's ridiculous that you have to work, pay bills and put gas in your car," Dominique Baker, a Lynchburg driver, said." [3/25/26]

Washington:

The Spokesman-Review: 'Sort of a kick in the teeth': Gas prices soar in Washington and Idaho amid Iran war. "Meanwhile, Washington gas prices trail only California as the most expensive in the nation…"This is a global jump in the price of gasoline and even more so diesel, which has jumped beyond the $6 a gallon mark in Washington state," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy. "It's certainly very rare to see these types of impacts, but obviously just a function of the U.S. attacking Iran." [3/23/26]

West Virginia:

The Exponent Telegram: West Virginia gas prices near $4 as national average jumps almost $1. "You can do things to reduce your gas consumption in the long run. But in the short run, there's not hardly anything at all that people can do to reduce gas consumption," he said. "People aren't going to start all of a sudden biking on a widespread basis because of what's happened." [3/27/26]

Wisconsin:

Spectrum News 1: 'It's not sustainable': Wisconsin farmers worry about rising fertilizer, fuel prices ahead of growing season. "A large share of the world's fertilizer supply comes through the Strait of Hormuz - which Iran has blocked. As a result, American farmers are expected to be short some two million tons of fertilizer this spring, according to The Fertilizer Institute." [3/24/26]

Wyoming:

Cowboy State Daily: Spike In Diesel Prices Squeezes Wyoming Truckers Already On Thin Margins. "Truckers hauling freight through Wyoming say they're losing money with every fill-up as diesel prices hover around $5 a gallon. "Profit margin's already thin, and now there's an additional expense that shouldn't be there," one trucker told Cowboy State Daily." [3/28/26]

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