Overview
- Gasoline prices have climbed sharply in the past two weeks as the conflict with Iran has driven oil above $100 a barrel.
- A Reuters-Ipsos survey shows 67% of Americans expect gas prices to worsen over the next year, and another poll finds nearly half blame President Trump for higher prices.
- The administration argues the spike will be temporary, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Trump asserting prices could drop rapidly once the Iran threat is neutralized.
- Some Republicans voice political concern and call for patience, with Sen. Rand Paul warning of electoral risk and Sen. Roger Marshall framing higher costs as necessary 'sacrifices.'
- Officials are weighing steps such as temporarily allowing foreign ships to move fuel between U.S. ports and insuring or escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while economists caution relief depends on reopening Hormuz and avoiding damage to energy infrastructure.