Easter journey weekend closes with fuel costs on the rise

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — As tens of millions of Americans put together to return dwelling from Easter Sunday journey, drivers are bracing for increased fuel costs amid intensifying tensions between the United States and Iran.

In Fresno and throughout the Central Valley, motorists say the rising value of gas is already straining family budgets.

“It used to take like $20 to fill it up, and it’s $40 and it’s not gonna be full,” one Fresno driver mentioned.

The worth ache comes because the battle between the U.S. and Iran continues to escalate. President Trump on Sunday issued a warning to Iran in a Truth Social put up, writing, “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!”

The president later ordered the Iranians to open the Strait of Hormuz or “they’ll be living in hell.”

Iran’s response got here from the speaker of its parliament, who wrote partly on X, “Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family.”

Meanwhile, drivers all through the Central Valley say they’re feeling the monetary affect and hoping for aid.

“Usually it’s like $45 to fill up my tank, now it’s like $70, $75,” mentioned one driver.

Another driver questioned the continued battle’s impact on on a regular basis prices, saying, “Can we just stop the war, and just get back to our prices the way they were?”

U.S. crude oil has risen 1.8% to $113.60, a soar that affects extra than simply drivers. Business house owners say increased gas prices are forcing them to lift costs.

Bakery proprietor Kaja Wierzba mentioned supply bills have elevated together with fuel costs.

“When the gas goes up, everything goes up. When I deliver a cake, I have to charge more, and the customer don’t like that, unfortunately,” Wierzba mentioned.

ABC News reported that Trump later appeared to double down on his risk, saying that if Iran doesn’t comply with a deal inside 48 hours, the U.S. will “blow up the whole country.” He additionally mentioned there may or couldn’t be a deal reached by Monday.

For now, drivers and enterprise house owners alike say they’re left watching costs climb, hoping tensions cool and prices come again down.