Hottest U.S. gas prices in years leave drivers feeling burned

Key Points:

• Rising gasoline prices, now averaging $4.80 per gallon in Michigan, are forcing students like Melissa Miles to skip classes to save on commuting costs, highlighting the financial strain on individuals reliant on daily travel.
• National gas prices have surged to $4.56 per gallon due to the Iran conflict, with diesel costs also rising sharply to $5.67, impacting the cost of goods transported by truck and rail.
• Economists predict that fuel prices will remain elevated for months, with projections suggesting prices may settle around $3.50 per gallon by the end of 2026, still higher than pre-conflict levels.
• Low-income Americans are disproportionately affected by the fuel price increases, spending a larger share of their income on gasoline, as exemplified by individuals like Steph Thornton and Daniel Hock who face significant financial burdens.
• The White House maintains that efforts to resolve the Iran conflict and stabilize global energy markets will eventually lead to lower fuel costs, although many consumers continue to struggle with current high prices.