By Jeff Devine with Contributions by Holden Wilde, Dale County Chronicle
WASHINGTON — Gas prices are going up. In fact, prices per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline have risen by an average of $0.50 per gallon over the past four weeks. And prices are expected to continue to go way up, according to economists
President Donald Trump drew heavy criticism this week when he said rising gasoline prices are not his primary concern as tensions escalate with Iran, emphasizing that national security considerations outweigh short-term increases at the pump. It is in fact his decision, along with Israel’s, to attack Iran that has led crude oil prices, and therefore gas prices, to skyrocket.
In comments during a recent interview, Trump acknowledged that fuel prices could climb as military operations in the region continue. When asked about the possibility of higher gasoline costs, the president responded bluntly, saying, “If they rise, they rise,” suggesting his war plans in Iran and the Middle East are far more important than temporary price increases for consumers.
Trump also expressed confidence that prices would eventually stabilize once the conflict subsides, indicating he believes the market will correct itself after the situation in the Middle East is resolved. The current price for crude oil has risen to about $90 per barrel, up from approximately $63 per barrel a month ago. The current price is the highest since 2022 when the price increased due to global factors, including the Russian war against Ukraine. Bringing down the cost of gas was a central promise during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Energy markets have already begun reacting to the growing tensions. Oil prices have surged in recent days amid concerns that instability in the region could disrupt global supply. The increase in crude oil costs has contributed to a rise in gasoline prices across the United States, with the national average climbing significantly over the past week.
Much of the concern centers on shipping routes in the Middle East that play a major role in the global oil trade. Any disruptions to those routes can have an immediate effect on energy markets worldwide, pushing prices higher for fuel and other petroleum-based products.
Residents in Dale County and the surrounding area are already seeing some variation in fuel costs at local stations. Current prices for regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) in the county generally range from about $2.99 to $3.19 per gallon, depending on the station and location. Communities such as Ozark and Daleville for instance, typically track closely with statewide averages, though individual stations may temporarily offer slightly lower or higher prices depending on supply deliveries and local competition. You can download the GadBuddy App to find the lowest prices near you. Another method of making your gas budget stretch is by ensuring the tire pressure in all four tires is correct to the tire and car manufacturer’s specification.
While pumping gas at an Ozark convenience store, the Dale County Chronicle interviewed three customers who were also purchasing gas.
Linda said the price increase has placed a major strain on her budget, saying, “I have a fixed budget, and I only budgeted a certain amount each pay period. With these prices the way they are, I am going to have to take that money away from food for my family.”
Shannon shared similar concerns about her budget and the increases. “I mean, the prices were supposed to be cheap. That’s what President Trump promised to do. Instead, the prices keep going up. Now, I’m going to have to either pick up extra shifts at work where I already work 40-45 hours weekly, or I will have to figure out some other way to offset the unexpected costs.”
John, a father of two young kids, expressed his concerns about the cost of gas and the cost of living in general. “It ain’t just gas,” John said. “Everything is going up and has been for a few years now. We need some [expletive] relief.”
When we asked John who he blames for the cost of living, he gave a multifaceted answer: “It’s these [expletive] greedy [expletive] businesses and corporations who’s robbing us blind. They started it during the COVID thing and after all that had calmed down they should have lowered their prices. But of course they aren’t going to do that because all they care about is their…bottom line. And our elected officials are also to blame. They should pass a law to bring these prices down and give us all some relief,” John concluded.
In January 2025 before the end of the Biden Administration, the national average cost per gallon was $3.04. Since Trump took over, the prices have fluctuated but the average cost has not
Despite the president’s comments downplaying the impact, officials within the administration are reportedly reviewing possible steps to limit further price increases. Potential measures under discussion include regulatory adjustments and other policy options aimed at easing pressure on fuel markets if prices continue to climb.
Analysts say the situation remains highly uncertain, and energy markets are expected to remain volatile as long as tensions persist. Additional disruptions to oil production or transportation could drive gasoline prices even higher in the coming weeks.
Rising fuel costs could also become a political issue if prices remain elevated for an extended period, particularly as Americans continue to grapple with the broader cost of living. Democrats have made affordability one of their top campaign platforms, and it seems to be resonating with voters who have cast votes in special elections. Democratic candidates celebrated major victories in three special elections in key swing states on the same night President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address. In Pennsylvania, Ana Tiburcio and Jennifer Mazzocco won seats in the state House of Representatives, helping Democrats secure a majority, while Scott Harriman’s win in Maine reinforced Democratic control in that state’s legislature. These election results highlighted the party’s strength at the state level even as Trump addressed Congress on topics including tariffs and immigration.
The contrasting reactions in Washington were striking. Republicans in the chamber largely applauded the president’s remarks, while Democrats expressed their dissent both through votes and through electoral gains in local contests. Observers noted that these wins underscored growing Democratic momentum at the state level, signaling potential implications for upcoming national races.
For now, the administration maintains that addressing the conflict with Iran remains the top priority, even as drivers across the country begin to feel the impact of higher prices at the pump.
This chart reflects the increase in average gas prices over the past year.
