Americans expect gasoline prices to rise after Iran strikes, survey finds
Synopsis
Most Americans expect gasoline prices to keep rising following U.S. military strikes on Iran, with many also anticipating a prolonged conflict, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey found broad concern about fuel costs and the economic impact of the war.
Most Americans expect gasoline prices to continue rising following U.S. military strikes on Iran, and many anticipate a prolonged conflict, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday.
Key highlights
- 67% of Americans expect gasoline prices to rise over the next year
- 60% anticipate prolonged U.S. military involvement in Iran
- Only 29% approve of the strikes on Iran
- 49% expect negative impact on their personal finances
US public opinion is showing growing concern over the economic and military consequences of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to a new survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos.
The four-day poll found widespread anxiety among Americans about rising fuel costs and the potential length of U.S. military involvement in the conflict.
Americans Brace for Higher Gasoline Prices
Around 67% of respondents said they expect gasoline prices in the United States to increase over the next year. The concern spans political affiliations, including 44% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats.
In addition, about 60% of Americans believe U.S. military involvement in Iran will continue for an extended period.
The survey was conducted online between March 6 and March 9 among 1,021 adults nationwide.
U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28, killing the country’s leader in a surprise attack.
The latest poll found that 29% of Americans approve of the strikes, a figure largely unchanged from 27% approval recorded in a Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted shortly after the military campaign began.
Both surveys carried margins of error of roughly three percentage points.
Rising Fuel Costs Add to Economic Anxiety
Gasoline prices have already climbed since the military action began. Fuel prices in the United States have risen by about 50 cents per gallon, while at least seven U.S. soldiers have been killed since the start of the conflict.
Gasoline prices are closely watched across the country because they are one of the most visible indicators of shifts in the cost of living.
Energy prices were rising nationwide during the period when the poll was conducted, and analysts reportedly expect elevated fuel prices worldwide for weeks or months, even if the conflict ends quickly.
Trump Faces Political Pressure Ahead of Midterms
The findings highlight potential political risks for Donald Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections, when Democrats hope to regain control of at least one chamber of Congress.
The poll also showed that 64% of respondents believe Trump has not clearly explained the objectives of U.S. military involvement in Iran. This includes about one in four Republicans and nine in ten Democrats.
Nearly 49% of Americans said they expect the war in Iran to have a mostly negative impact on their personal finances.
Two-thirds of Democrats and roughly one-third of Republicans share that concern, while another group of Republican respondents said they were uncertain about the conflict’s financial impact.
Trump said on Monday that the military campaign is moving faster than expected.
“The operation is ahead of our initial timeline by a lot,” he told reporters.
Energy markets and policymakers will continue monitoring the conflict and its potential effects on global oil supply and fuel prices.
Any prolonged disruption to oil shipments from the Middle East could keep gasoline prices elevated in the coming months.
FAQs
Q1. Why do most Americans expect gasoline prices to rise?
Many believe the conflict involving Iran could disrupt global oil supply, pushing fuel prices higher.
Q2. How many Americans support the strikes on Iran?
About 29% of Americans approve of the military strikes, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Q3. What economic impact do Americans fear from the war?
Nearly half of respondents believe the conflict could negatively affect their personal finances.
Q4. How large was the Reuters/Ipsos survey?
The poll surveyed 1,021 U.S. adults between March 6 and March 9.
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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