Gas prices poised to rise amid escalating conflict with Iran

In the United States, particularly in Massachusetts, gas prices have surged as geopolitical tensions escalated due to conflict with Iran. As of late June 2025, the average gas price in Massachusetts was reported at $3.08 per gallon, marking a 9-cent increase from the previous week and a notable rise from $3.01 a month earlier. Despite these increases, the current prices remain lower than those recorded a year prior, when they reached $3.43 per gallon. Nationally, gas prices averaged $3.22 a gallon, reflecting similar trends across the country. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has indicated that oil prices have increased by more than $10 a barrel since early June, a rise attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. AAA spokesperson Mark Schieldrop highlighted that while the U.S. is a leading producer of oil and gas, escalating tensions in the region, particularly concerning Iran, could still result in higher oil costs across the board. Experts foresee a potential increase in gas prices if Iranian aggression continues, with predictions suggesting that prices could rise by an additional 10 to 15 cents per gallon. Concerns about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil transport, have also come to fore. Iran's recent vote to consider closing this strait in response to foreign military actions has raised alarms about the potential for significant disruptions to global oil supply—implications that could reverberate across the oil markets worldwide. This strait is responsible for transporting a substantial portion of the world's oil, making its closure a subject of intense scrutiny by energy analysts. Should these geopolitical tensions escalate further, countries worldwide might face soaring oil prices akin to those witnessed during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which previously drove prices to record highs. As President Donald Trump addressed the current gas price situation, he encouraged efforts to keep oil prices down, illustrating the administration's awareness of the economic implications of rising fuel costs. He emphasized how these fluctuations could be exploited by adversaries, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation. Clearly, with both immediate and long-term worries about oil supply interruptions, consumers and analysts alike are concerned about the direction gas prices may take as the international climate evolves. As such, it remains crucial for motorists and policymakers to stay informed about the developments unfolding in the Middle East that could have profound impacts on domestic fuel prices. With the threat of further escalations and potential blockades looming, the focus remains on both the domestic market's resilience and the global oil supply chain's stability.