‘It takes a toll’: Virginians feel pain at the pump as gas prices surge amid Iran war

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The rise of gas prices in Virginia is fueling frustrations for drivers as the conflict in the Middle East has led to ripple effects. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Virginia has reached $3.32, nearly 40 cents more than the week before.

Drivers across Central Virginia said the increase showed up quickly at the pump and forced them to rethink how often they fill up.

Michelle Poole fills her tank at a BP gas station in Chesterfield. (Photo: 8News)

“It normally costs me probably about $80, but right now I’m looking at like $130, which is ridiculous," said Terry Davis, who drives a diesel truck.

AAA analysts said the Iran war has halted oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. 20% of the world's oil supply passes through this waterway. Crude oil prices have since jumped to $100 a barrel, compared to an average of around $70 before the United States and Israel launched war against Iran.

According to AAA, the last time the national average made a similar weekly jump was in 2022 during the start of the Russia and Ukraine conflict. 

“What drivers pay at the pump here in the United States is directly related to the price of crude oil. So when crude oil is up, gas prices are up," said AAA Spokesperson Morgan Dean.

The increase comes just as many families are planning spring break travel. Some drivers said the higher prices already forced them to adjust those plans.

Davis, who is a grandfather of seven, said he often drives to North Carolina to visit his grandchildren, but must now plan those trips more carefully.

“With these prices, I have to pick and choose when I can go get the grandkids now,” Davis said.

Dean said drivers can still find ways to save money at the pump, including using rewards programs tied to credit cards or grocery stores.

“Some credit cards offer points back, there’s also some stores that offer rewards points if you shop with them," Dean said. "Use all of those things that you can to get that price down as much as possible.”

He also emphasized the importance of vehicle maintenance such as keeping up with regular service, having properly inflated tires and improving fuel economy by prioritizing travel during off-peak times if possible.

Drivers with multiple vehicles may also want to choose the most fuel-efficient option for longer trips. Michelle Poole said her family has already discussed doing just that.

“This is a rather large vehicle we have here, but we have some smaller vehicles and we’ve discussed taking those on the longer trips just to cut down on some gas prices," she said.

With uncertainty around how long prices could remain high, some drivers said they expect the increase to last for months.

“I’m bracing myself for at least until the summer,” Poole said.

Others said they remain hopeful that prices will eventually come down.

“Everything is not going to last," Davis said. "Grandma says, you know, 'this too shall pass," so it will pass.”

Dean also recommended that drivers shop around for the best gas price using the AAA mobile app to compare prices at nearby stations.