Rising gas prices across the United States are putting growing pressure on households, as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupts global oil supplies and drives fuel costs higher.

At gas stations in Arlington, Virginia, regular gasoline was selling for about $4.25 per gallon on Friday afternoon, reflecting a broader national surge that has pushed prices to their highest levels in years.

The increases are forcing many Americans to rethink daily expenses — from commuting to groceries — as higher fuel costs ripple through the wider economy.

Analysts say the price hikes are closely tied to instability in global energy markets following the outbreak of the war in late February, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes.

'Do I need gas or do I need food?'

Despite being a major oil producer, the US remains vulnerable to international supply shocks.

For drivers, the impact is immediate.

Deena Allen, a 53-year-old housewife in Arlington, said the rising costs are making it harder to manage basic expenses.

“The prices for gas are horrible. They have skyrocketed immensely, and it's causing a lot of people to struggle even more to just put food on the table,” she told Anadolu, adding that she blames President Donald Trump for the surge.

“I’m sitting here and I’m looking at the prices, and I’m thinking, 'Okay, do I need gas or do I need food?' It’s very frustrating,” she said, adding that she wishes Trump would focus more on ordinary people rather than prioritizing his own political interests.

Others described similar financial strain, even if views on responsibility differed.

Jose, 64, who has lived in Arlington for more than 20 years, said fuel costs for his car have risen sharply in recent weeks.

“Now it's about 30-40% up. So that's very painful. Every week I have to fill — I used to fill with $30, now it's like $40,” he said.

“If you go to the market, you will see the food is going up too,” he said, adding that he hopes the war ends soon. “The main thing is to bring peace as soon as possible.”

Impact at astronomical levels

Price increases have not been uniform across the country. In California, where taxes, environmental regulations and refining constraints already push prices higher, gasoline has climbed to nearly $6 per gallon. Other states continue to see lower prices, but the upward trend is widespread.

Still, for many Americans, the effect is the same: tighter budgets and difficult choices.

Aimee Stoddard, a 46-year-old social worker in northern Virginia, said the current prices are the highest she has seen in the area.

“It's impacting the American people on an astronomical level, and it's becoming really difficult to not only get groceries, but now put gas in your car,” she said.

Living on a single income, she said rising costs are becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

“We’re really just hoping that there could be a resolution so that our prices go back to where it's attainable,” she added.

Sue Evans, a retired teacher in Arlington, thinks the situation underscores the need for change.

“It is terrible,” she said. “Get out of the war, for one thing. And then, hopefully, the gas prices will go back to where they have been in the past.”

But for households already dealing with high living expenses, the pressure is mounting.

“We're here trying to either put food on the table, pay for our bills, pay for our rent or mortgages,” Allel said. “And it's just becoming more and more hard for everybody.”