Gas prices across the U.S. are surging to wartime highs as Americans face increased costs amid the ongoing war in Iran. President Donald Trump says it’s worth it if it means he accomplishes his war objective.When reporters pressed the president about gas prices quickly rising this week after declining the past few weeks, the president said, “And you know what? And we’re not going to have a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran. The gas will go down. As soon as the war is over, it’ll drop like a rock. There’s so much of it. It’s all over the place, sitting all over the oceans of the world.”The president says the payoff is Iran not having a nuclear weapon, adding, “But what won’t happen is if Iran had a nuclear weapon and used it, then the whole world is a different place.”Gas prices are at their highest levels since 2022, with the national average hitting $4.39 per gallon on Friday, according to AAA. This marks a 47% increase since the conflict started, when the national average was $2.98.AAA also reports the average price for diesel is $5.57 per gallon. Before the war started, diesel was $3.76.Government data released on Thursday revealed Americans spent $81.3 billion more on gas and energy in March compared to February. The rising fuel costs are also affecting air travel. Airline ticket prices have increased due to higher jet fuel costs, with baggage fees climbing. Many airlines are cutting flight schedules, removing less profitable routes, and reducing seat capacity.Government statistics show grocery prices have not yet been affected by the war, but they are expected to rise as supplies of fuel and fertilizer tighten.Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:

WASHINGTON —

Gas prices across the U.S. are surging to wartime highs as Americans face increased costs amid the ongoing war in Iran. President Donald Trump says it’s worth it if it means he accomplishes his war objective.

When reporters pressed the president about gas prices quickly rising this week after declining the past few weeks, the president said, “And you know what? And we’re not going to have a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran. The gas will go down. As soon as the war is over, it’ll drop like a rock. There’s so much of it. It’s all over the place, sitting all over the oceans of the world.”

The president says the payoff is Iran not having a nuclear weapon, adding, “But what won’t happen is if Iran had a nuclear weapon and used it, then the whole world is a different place.”

Gas prices are at their highest levels since 2022, with the national average hitting $4.39 per gallon on Friday, according to AAA. This marks a 47% increase since the conflict started, when the national average was $2.98.

AAA also reports the average price for diesel is $5.57 per gallon. Before the war started, diesel was $3.76.

Government data released on Thursday revealed Americans spent $81.3 billion more on gas and energy in March compared to February.

The rising fuel costs are also affecting air travel. Airline ticket prices have increased due to higher jet fuel costs, with baggage fees climbing. Many airlines are cutting flight schedules, removing less profitable routes, and reducing seat capacity.

Government statistics show grocery prices have not yet been affected by the war, but they are expected to rise as supplies of fuel and fertilizer tighten.

Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau: