President Trump and his administration attribute this year’s historic Labor Day gas price spike to the renewed hostilities with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded reached $4.1514 on September 8, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a full dollar higher than the $3.1998 recorded last year.
National figures and the Strait of Hormuz
AAA’s release cites “continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz” as the primary driver. The narrow sea lane carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s petroleum, and traffic has sharply declined since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in late February. The administration argues that the conflict is necessary to protect American energy security and to counter Iranian aggression.
President Trump’s outlook
Speaking on Truth Social, President Trump asserted, “Oil prices will drop precipitously… when we WIN the war with Iran.” He added a bold forecast that gasoline could fall “below two dollars a gallon” once the operation succeeds. While analysts at Goldman Sachs warn that oil could climb to $120 per barrel in the coming weeks, the President remains confident that decisive action will soon restore lower fuel costs.
Impact on South Carolina drivers
South Carolina felt the surge acutely. The Palmetto State’s average regular‑unleaded price rose to $3.7501 per gallon, a 32.2% increase over last year, while diesel hit a new record of $5.7129 per gallon, up 66.26%. Neighboring North Carolina reported a $3.838 average, a 34% jump.
South Carolinians already spend a larger share of their income on fuel than the national average—2.82% versus 2.28%, according to a FinanceBuzz analysis. The higher cost has strained households, especially those with lower incomes.
State response and political debate
Despite the hardship, Republican leaders in the South Carolina General Assembly declined to suspend the state gasoline tax earlier this year. House Speaker Murrell Smith and budget writer Bruce Bannister refused to open a debate on the issue, arguing that a tax cut would undermine essential state revenues.
Critics of the administration’s Iran strategy point to the economic fallout, but the President and his allies maintain that a swift victory will restore market stability and bring relief to American drivers.
Economic toll so far
Brown University estimates that U.S. consumers have already paid an extra $101 billion—about $771 per household—since the war began six months ago. The figure is expected to rise as long as oil prices stay elevated.
For now, the administration urges patience, emphasizing that the conflict is a necessary step to secure long‑term energy affordability and national security.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
