Iran war hits homes in US: Fuel prices surge, deliveries costlier
image for illustrative purpose
Washington: The ongoing war against Iran is beginning to hit American consumers, with rising fuel prices pushing up transportation and delivery costs across sectors.
The average petrol price in the United States climbed to USD 4.09 per gallon on Friday, up by more than a dollar since before the conflict began — the highest level since August 2022. Diesel prices have surged even more sharply, rising from USD 3.64 a year ago to USD 5.53 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.
Higher fuel costs are now translating into additional charges for consumers. E-commerce giant Amazon has announced a 3.5 per cent fuel surcharge for third-party sellers starting April 17. Meanwhile, the United States Postal Service has proposed a temporary 8 per cent surcharge on package and express deliveries, pending regulatory approval.
Experts warn that prolonged conflict could deepen economic strain. Analysts note that rising transportation costs typically feed into broader inflation, worsening affordability concerns for households already under pressure.
The disruption of oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted global markets. While Asia has already begun rationing fuel and Europe may face shortages by mid-April, the US is expected to feel stronger effects later due to longer shipping timelines.
According to market estimates, shortages in refined fuel products could emerge in parts of the US by late April or May, particularly in California.
