White House says gas prices will ‘plummet’ after Iran war despite surge
WASHINGTON, DC: The White House on Tuesday, March 31, sought to play down rising fuel costs as average gasoline prices across the United States climbed to $4.02 per gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to the American Automobile Association, prices have surged by more than a dollar per gallon in just a month, reflecting the global ripple effects of escalating tensions in the oil-rich region.
White House predicts sharp reversal
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the spike in fuel costs would be temporary, linking it directly to disruptions caused by the war.
“When Operation Epic Fury is complete, gas prices will plummet back to the multi-year lows American drivers enjoyed before these short-term disruptions,” she said in a statement.
Leavitt added that the administration remains committed to expanding domestic energy production and lowering costs for consumers, emphasizing a return to what she described as “American energy dominance.”
Trump’s energy promise under pressure
President Donald Trump, who campaigned heavily on reducing energy costs, now faces mounting pressure as prices at the pump rise sharply.
Throughout his campaign, Trump frequently criticized his predecessor Joe Biden over high fuel prices, making affordability a central economic issue.
With midterm elections looming in November, administration officials view stabilizing energy costs as a critical political and economic priority.
Strait of Hormuz at center of crisis
The surge in prices is closely tied to instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
Following joint US and Israeli strikes, Iran has moved to disrupt tanker traffic through the narrow waterway, tightening global supply and pushing prices higher.
Trump has urged allied nations to help secure the strait, framing it as a shared responsibility to ensure energy flows.
Diesel, crude prices also surge
The price shock extends beyond gasoline. Diesel, critical for transportation, agriculture, and public transit, has climbed to $5.45 per gallon, marking a sharp year-on-year increase.
Underlying the surge is a steep rise in global crude prices. West Texas Intermediate crude has jumped more than 50% since the conflict began in late February, while Brent crude has risen nearly 60%.
