Gas Prices Jump to $4.29 as Iran Conflict Enters Eighth Month

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.29 on Monday, marking a sharp increase from the $2.98 average recorded before the U.S. launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. This figure stands out against the backdrop of a conflict that has now spanned nearly eight months, creating persistent pressure on household budgets.

Diesel costs have also climbed dramatically. The average price for a gallon of diesel now sits at $6.35, up from $3.76 in February. Diesel prices surpassed the $6 mark last month, setting a record. These figures reflect a volatile market where crude oil prices have swung widely due to uncertainty surrounding the war's future.

President Donald Trump has offered varying explanations for the energy costs since the conflict began. In his 2026 State of the Union address, delivered just days before the attacks on Iran, he cited low gas prices as a win, noting that gasoline was below $2.30 a gallon in most states at the time. He contrasted this with the administration of his predecessor, who he said oversaw peaks of over $6 a gallon.

As the war progressed, the President frequently framed higher oil prices as a benefit to U.S. producers. In a social media post less than two weeks into the conflict, when Brent crude exceeded $100 a barrel, he stated that the United States is the world's largest oil producer and that rising prices generate significant revenue. Later, as prices cooled in the summer, he urged retailers to lower pump prices, warning against what he called illegal gauging.

By early September, the President acknowledged that oil prices might not drop before the midterms. He told supporters that prices would tumble downward after the election, suggesting the timeline would extend beyond the Nov. 3 vote. At a campaign stop in North Carolina, he described the higher fuel costs as an inexpensive price to pay for the actions taken in the war.

In recent weeks, the administration has introduced measures to address rising costs. The President announced a deal to purchase Russian diesel, a shift from previous U.S. pressure on Moscow. He also unveiled a harvest fuel relief program intended to provide $8 billion in support for farmers. At a rally in Kansas, he stated that Republicans would pass additional funding for farmers if they maintain their legislative advantage.

The midterm elections are scheduled for next week on Nov. 3. Cost of living concerns, particularly energy expenses, are currently at the forefront of voter priorities. The national average for gasoline was $4.37 a gallon at the start of this month, representing a $1.18 increase over the same period in 2025.