The United States is experiencing a sharp rise in gasoline and diesel prices. This surge is attributed to the war waged by the US and Israel against Iran, which is restricting oil and fuel exports. Fuel prices have jumped by more than 10% this week as oil prices surpassed $90 per barrel, a multi-year high, exacerbating the struggles of consumers already grappling with inflation. American analysts warn that further price increases are possible. They state that if oil prices continue to rise, the average US gasoline price could climb to $3.50-$3.70 per gallon in the coming days. Experts attribute this to instability in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, which has increased demand for American oil abroad and, in turn, driven up prices at domestic refineries. In key states such as Georgia, Indiana, and West Virginia, fuel prices have risen by 40-44 cents per gallon in the past week. This poses a significant political challenge for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the November congressional elections. In response to the price hikes, Trump downplayed the issue in an interview with Reuters, saying, "If they go up, they go up." However, he previously pledged to lower energy costs and unleash oil and gas drilling in the United States during his second term. Meanwhile, despite being the world's largest producer and exporter of oil, the US also imports millions of barrels daily as the world's biggest oil consumer. In Georgia, a key state that supported Trump, the average retail gasoline price increased by 40.1 cents per gallon last week. Residents of the state, like Andrena McDaniel, have expressed frustration over the sudden fuel price surge. She stated, "The prices went up so fast," emphasizing that she does not approve of the war. A Democrat, McDaniel is now only using her car for essential errands, as she works from home and does not have to commute as much as others.
