FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — As millions of Americans prepare to return home from Easter Sunday travel, drivers are bracing for higher gas prices amid intensifying tensions between the United States and Iran.
In Fresno and across the Central Valley, motorists say the rising cost of fuel is already straining household budgets.
“It used to take like $20 to fill it up, and it’s $40 and it’s not gonna be full,” one Fresno driver said.
The price pain comes as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continues to escalate. President Trump on Sunday issued a warning to Iran in a Truth Social post, writing, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”
The president later ordered the Iranians to open the Strait of Hormuz or “they’ll be living in hell.”
Iran’s response came from the speaker of its parliament, who wrote in part on X, “Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family.”
Meanwhile, drivers throughout the Central Valley say they are feeling the financial impact and hoping for relief.
“Usually it’s like $45 to fill up my tank, now it’s like $70, $75,” said one driver.
Another driver questioned the ongoing conflict’s effect on everyday costs, saying, “Can we just stop the war, and just get back to our prices the way they were?”
U.S. crude oil has risen 1.8% to $113.60, a jump that is affecting more than just drivers. Business owners say higher fuel costs are forcing them to raise prices.
Bakery owner Kaja Wierzba said delivery expenses have increased along with gas prices.
“When the gas goes up, everything goes up. When I deliver a cake, I have to charge more, and the customer don’t like that, unfortunately,” Wierzba said.
ABC News reported that Trump later appeared to double down on his threat, saying that if Iran does not agree to a deal within 48 hours, the U.S. will “blow up the whole country.” He also said there could or could not be a deal reached by Monday.
For now, drivers and business owners alike say they are left watching prices climb, hoping tensions cool and costs come back down.
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