U.S. drivers may soon feel the impact of rising global tensions at the gas pump, as oil prices remain elevated following last week’s Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Experts warn that while Iran signals interest in de-escalation, volatility in the Middle East could still drive fuel prices higher nationwide.
Oil prices surged by 8% after Israel launched a preemptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military personnel. Although the price of crude oil has slightly declined since, retail gas prices are expected to climb, according to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
“While the recent potential de-escalation may limit those increases, prices may still rise in the short term,” DeHaan noted.
Former President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran is showing interest in talks, potentially signaling a pause in hostilities. Even so, oil markets remain reactive to developments in the region, keeping consumers on edge.
As of Monday, the national average for a gallon of gasoline stood at $3.14, according to AAA. Analysts say some regions—particularly the Great Lakes states, Texas, and Florida—could see steeper and faster increases due to localized market dynamics.
“Fear tends to be a powerful motivator when it comes to gas prices,” DeHaan explained, adding that prices often rise faster than they fall. “Many gas stations don’t raise their prices as quickly as their own costs go up, which also slows the rate at which they come down.”
If tensions ease and oil continues to fall, gas prices may begin to stabilize by the weekend. However, DeHaan emphasized that this remains a “pretty volatile situation.”
Until then, American consumers are likely to face heightened gas costs—especially if the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate.
