The average price of gasoline rises in the United States and marks this Monday $3.48 per gallon, according to data from the AAA automotive association. This increase responds to the rise in crude oil, which exceeded $100 per barrel, in the midst of the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East initiated on February 28 with attacks by the US and Israel against Iran.
Direct impact of the conflict on fuel prices
Impact of the conflict on fuel prices
Since the start of the war, gasoline rises nearly 17% nationwide. Countries in the Middle East have reduced their oil production, which has driven WTI crude up 35% in the past week. This affects not only gasoline, but also diesel and aviation fuel, with more pronounced increases in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, and Florida, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
International response and official forecasts
G7 ready to release strategic reserves
The leaders of the G7, including the US, met to face volatility. They announced their readiness to take “all necessary measures”, such as releasing strategic oil reserves to stabilize markets. The conflict, which has been going on for ten days, generates global uncertainty in energy.
Statements from the Energy Secretary
In the worst-case scenario, this will last for weeks, not months.
Chris Wright, US Energy Secretary, said in CNN. He assured that Washington avoids attacking Iran’s energy industry, including oil and natural gas, to avoid exacerbating the crisis.
Historically, tensions in the Middle East have driven similar prices. In 2019, attacks on Saudi refineries raised crude oil by 15% in days. Experts from the EIA (Energy Information Administration) project that, without further escalation, gasoline rises could moderate if OPEC+ increases supply. However, seasonal demand for summer complicates the picture.
- Most affected states: The West Coast leads high prices; Texas sees a greater weekly increase.
- Global context: Europe reports similar increases, with Brent near $105.
- Consumer advice: Fill tanks soon in anticipation of possible continuity.
Gasoline reflects the global energy fragility. As the conflict persists, families and businesses in the US adjust their budgets. Monitoring the Middle East will be key to predicting whether gasoline rises beyond these weeks.
