(AURN News) — Drivers are watching their wallets get lighter as the nation’s average gas price has surged past the $4 mark for the first time in nearly four years.
It comes as military tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supplies and keep prices elevated. Since late February, when the conflict in the Persian Gulf intensified, fuel costs have climbed roughly 35%.
Diesel has been hit even harder, going from $3.80 to more than $5.40 per gallon. That increase is rippling through transportation and consumer goods nationwide.
At least half of American households say higher prices have strained their finances, according to polling data. For one in five of those impacted, the financial strain has been substantial.
President Donald Trump has tried to frame the costs as temporary and justified while also growing frustrated with allied nations. This week, Trump pressured European partners to either increase military support against Iran or secure their own energy sources independently.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
