Story perspectives

Trump Says Iran War Worth $4.46 Gas Prices

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 6:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump said high gas prices are a “small price to pay” for the war in Iran.
National average gas price reached $4.46 per gallon on Sept. 18, up from $3.20 a year earlier.
A June 2026 Gallup poll found 67% said rising gas prices caused financial hardship.
Analyst Patrick De Haan warned the Iran conflict will keep prices elevated and cause volatility.

History

Historical Context

During the October 1973 OAPEC embargo—led by Saudi King Faisal after the Yom Kippur War—oil prices jumped from $3 to $12 per barrel, a near-300% rise that spurred U.S. gasoline costs to climb 43% and prompted Nixon’s emergency measures. Trump’s 2026 comment linking today’s $4.46-per-gallon price to the Iran conflict echoes that same geopolitical-supply shock pattern.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump said high gas prices are a “small price to pay” for the war in Iran.
National average gas price reached $4.46 per gallon on Sept. 18, up from $3.20 a year earlier.
A June 2026 Gallup poll found 67% said rising gas prices caused financial hardship.
Analyst Patrick De Haan warned the Iran conflict will keep prices elevated and cause volatility.

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