Woman votes for President Trump to help his "people" instead of other countries. Gets blindsided when he goes haywire (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images - CBS Evening News/YouTube)
Gas prices across the United States have surged more than 65 cents per gallon in less than a month, reaching a national average of $3.63, as the ongoing war with Iran continues to destabilize global energy markets.
The spike comes as a direct result of Iran choking off a key source of the world’s oil supply. According to market analysts, oil prices have jumped more than 40% since the start of the conflict, largely due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that handles roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil.
A Growing Crisis for Working Families
For many of the 31 million American households currently living paycheck to paycheck, the extra cost at the pump is more than an inconvenience; it is a financial breaking point.
CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano spoke with Kelly Sudavongsay, a mother of three and senior caregiver living near Los Angeles. Sudavongsay, who earns $18 an hour, faces a gruelling three-hour round-trip commute to work every day.
“I would say it cost around $25 to $30 [to fill the tank before],” Sudavongsay told CBS. “Now, I would say around $50. It affects [my budget] a lot.”
The financial strain has forced the family to make painful sacrifices. Kelly and her husband had been saving for a family spring break road trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, a trip they have now been forced to cancel.
“I’m depressed,” Sudavongsay said. “I promise my kids stuff, and I hardly ever break my promises. This time around, I have to. It breaks my heart.”
Regional Hardships
While the average price nationwide sits at $3.63, drivers in California are seeing even steeper hikes. The average price for regular gasoline in the state jumped nearly 19% in the past month, an increase of more than 80 cents per gallon.
Adding to the pressure, gas stations have begun their annual transition from winter-blend gasoline to the more expensive summer blend, a move that has historically added several more cents per gallon.
Political and Economic Outlook
Sudavongsay, a supporter of President Trump, expressed the complex frustration felt by many voters. While acknowledging the administration’s desire to help other nations, she noted the domestic toll: “It’s not great when your homeland, your people, is having to suffer.”
As the war in Iran shows no signs of an immediate resolution, economists warn that if prices hit $4.00, the U.S. could see a significant slowdown in consumer spending, potentially threatening the stability of the broader economy.
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