Gas, airline prices remain high in Arizona as Iran War reaches 2-month mark

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Two months since the war in Iran began, the conflict shows no clear ending in sight.

President Donald Trump posted on social media that Iran is in a “state of collapse” but offered no additional context for what that means. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The ripple effects of the war are felt around the world, with changes in gas and fuel prices impacting consumers.

Gas prices climb

In the days before the war began, the average price for a gallon of gas in Arizona was $3.59. On Tuesday, April 28, the average is $4.63. That price is even higher in Maricopa County, sitting at $4.76.

“My husband has a diesel truck, and that’s just outrageous right now. I put premium in my car, so it’s very expensive, too,” said Kathie Nunn, who lives in Phoenix.

Airline costs soar

It’s not just drivers feeling the pinch. Flyers are too.

“I would say roughly 15 or 20 percent more is what I’ve noticed that I have to pay more,” one traveler said.

The week before the war started, the price of jet fuel was $2.50 a gallon. On Tuesday, April 28, the price is $4.26, according to Airlines for America.

“I fly Southwest mostly. I was able to get a straight flight home and two from here. It was higher than normal, for sure,” said Patrick Foy, who was flying from Phoenix to Louisiana.

Major airliners have already raised checked baggage fees because of the rising fuel prices, while some of the smaller, budget airlines are asking the federal government for billions of dollars in assistance.

“It’s obviously frustrating. It affects our family’s budget,” Foy said.

Gas experts have said even when the war in Iran ends, the full relief people see at the pump or when buying a plane ticket will most likely not be immediate.

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