SAN ANTONIO – Driver Steven Gilbert paid $80 dollars to fill up his tank last month. Today, it is about $20 dollars more.
“Looks like it is $20 dollars more,” said Steven Gilbert.
“I mean, everything is adding up,” said another driver at the pump Maria Resto.
Since the U.S. Israeli airstrikes in Iran, AAA says fuel prices are up by 19 cents on average in San Antonio.
Crucial global supply lines for crude oil, like the Strait of Hormuz, have seen cargo ships hit by missiles and drones.
“Many vessels, a majority of vessels, do not want to go through that strait right now, which is creating a huge backlog,” said Amena Bakr, head of Middle East energy and OPEC plus insights at Kpler.
Back home, Doug Shupe with AAA says we do not know when prices will stop going up.
“As long as the conflict in Iran continues, the longer it goes, the more we could see these price increases,” said Shupe.
Some at the pump, like Gilbert, say it is worth it for now.
“I think the people of Iran, from what I see on the news or what have you, they want change,” said Gilbert.
“Does it depend on how much it goes up? AAA said we do not know how much yet,” said Phil Sterling reporting.
“If it goes much higher, I think, yeah, it would be a concern,” said Gilbert.
For Resto, the pressure is mounting.
“I mean, we are doing everything we can to cut corners and save. We have been downgraded from where we were living so that we can find something cheaper, so that we can survive. And now this,” said Resto.
Shupe says it does not help that prices increase this time of year. Drivers start to go on more trips during the spring, and refineries make more expensive summer blend fuel that does not evaporate as easily in the heat.
AAA encourages drivers to drive slower, fill your tires, and lighten your haul to help save gas.