Americans face record fuel costs since 2022 peak

American drivers have paid nearly $8.4 billion more for fuel since the start of the US military operation against Iran, according to a report by the Democratic staff of the Joint Economic Committee of the US Congress.

The report states that the cost of filling a vehicle has risen by 35% compared with February 28, prior to the start of the conflict. For example, filling the tank of a Ford F-150 now costs $145, which is $37 more than before the operation began.

The additional financial burden has been uneven across states. Texas residents have incurred the highest excess fuel costs, totalling more than $1 billion, followed by California, where drivers have paid nearly $970 million more.

Nationwide, the average price of gasoline has surpassed $4 per gallon (3.79 litres), marking the highest level since August 2022. In California, prices are significantly higher, averaging $5.887 per gallon. The all-time peak remains June 2022, when gasoline prices exceeded $5 per gallon.

By Tamilla Hasanova