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.<\/p>\n
In Fresno and across the Central Valley, motorists say the rising cost of fuel is already straining household budgets.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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!!!”<\/p>\n
The president later ordered the Iranians to open the Strait of Hormuz or “they’ll be living in hell.”<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, drivers throughout the Central Valley say they are feeling the financial impact and hoping for relief.<\/p>\n
“Usually it’s like $45 to fill up my tank, now it’s like $70, $75,” said one driver.<\/p>\n
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?”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Bakery owner Kaja Wierzba said delivery expenses have increased along with gas prices.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For now, drivers and business owners alike say they are left watching prices climb, hoping tensions cool and costs come back down.<\/p>\n
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