Three-Headed Economic Monster Looms In Face Of American Consumers As Iran Conflict Rages, Midterms A

[mystery-ak]

Three-Headed Economic Monster Looms In Face Of American Consumers As Iran Conflict Rages, Midterms Approach


Anthony Iafrate
Associate Editor
March 28, 2026 3:31 PM ET


Exactly one month into American military operations against the Iranian regime, U.S. consumers are suffering from a triple threat of skyrocketing gas prices, soaring interest rates and a plummeting stock market, Axios reported Saturday.

A spike in oil costs resulting from Operation Epic Fury — which began Feb. 28 — has caused the average U.S. price for a gallon of gas to rise a full dollar in just one month, according to Axios. Along with rising interest rates and a decline in the stock market, the increase comes just over seven months before November’s midterm elections. Many Democrats are running campaigns centered on affordability and cost of living issues.

Just two days before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, the average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $2.98, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). The same gallon of gas cost $3.98 on Saturday.

Before the war, roughly 20% of the world’s oil demand flowed through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway separating Iran from the Arabian peninsula. After the war broke out, traffic through the strait dropped to nearly zero, contributing to the oil price spike.

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https://dailycaller.com/2026/03/28/iran-war-impacts-american-consumers-economy-energy-prices-interest-rates-stock-market-affordability/

[Smokin Joe]

When the war is over (depending on outcome), oil prices will drop as soon as trade can be reestablished.

Provided, of course, that those who would hold the shipping through the Straits for ransom are denied that power. This means a regime change in Iran, a 'fundamental transformation' back to secular government and an end to the 12er theocracy.
Failure to accomplish that will mean that at any time the regime can hold 20% of the world oil supply for ransom, either directly by controlling shipping, or indirectly, by attacking and destroying any attempt to bypass that shipping route.
I believe the Gulf States understand the score.
This is why any conclusion must include the removal of the present regime in Iran from power, not only to neutralize the direct threat (and free the Iranian people), but to undermine proxies which currently derive their potency from Iran, and which would continue to operate. Those proxies must also be removed from the board.
This is a foreshadowing of what is coming for any Western Republic or Democracy currently feeding (literally, through social programs) their own growing threats to their way of life.
Disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and the cognitive disconnect of Leftists preaching 'tolerance' have led many to believe there is some cozy middle ground, but there is not.
Some cultural differences are too great to assimilate without fundamental change, and for the West, that is an existential threat.

[Idiot]

When the war is over (depending on outcome), oil prices will drop as soon as trade can be reestablished.

Provided, of course, that those who would hold the shipping through the Straits for ransom are denied that power. This means a regime change in Iran, a 'fundamental transformation' back to secular government and an end to the 12er theocracy.
Failure to accomplish that will mean that at any time the regime can hold 20% of the world oil supply for ransom, either directly by controlling shipping, or indirectly, by attacking and destroying any attempt to bypass that shipping route.
I believe the Gulf States understand the score.
This is why any conclusion must include the removal of the present regime in Iran from power, not only to neutralize the direct threat (and free the Iranian people), but to undermine proxies which currently derive their potency from Iran, and which would continue to operate. Those proxies must also be removed from the board.
This is a foreshadowing of what is coming for any Western Republic or Democracy currently feeding (literally, through social programs) their own growing threats to their way of life.
Disinformation campaigns, propaganda, and the cognitive disconnect of Leftists preaching 'tolerance' have led many to believe there is some cozy middle ground, but there is not.
Some cultural differences are too great to assimilate without fundamental change, and for the West, that is an existential threat.

When the war is over there will be a huge oversupply of oil.  Talking with others in the business we are preparing for oil prices in the $40's for a period of time.  This may be a huge opportunity to buy production.  Keep your powder dry.

[Canuck Conservative]

When the war is over there will be a huge oversupply of oil

That's assuming that existing producing areas aren't seriously damaged by weeks/months of warfare

And that's a big assumption, considering that a major portion of the World's oil-production is now within range of Iranian/Houthi missiles, and Russia is helpfully supplying targeting info ...

[Smokin Joe]

That's assuming that existing producing areas aren't seriously damaged by weeks/months of warfare

And that's a big assumption, considering that a major portion of the World's oil-production is now within range of Iranian/Houthi missiles, and Russia is helpfully supplying targeting info ...

While midstream assets have been targeted, they tend to be on the delivery end.
The wells themselves have not been the targets (unlike Iraq leaving Kuwait), simply because interdicting delivery has the same effect without damage to infrastructure needed to produce the oil.
It's a matter of building new tanks, repairing pipelines and pumping stations, not drilling new wells.
The damage done to delivery systems can be fixed much more quickly, and has less environmental impact (for those worried about that in the midst of a war) than uncontrolled wells burning (and producing) away.
As those delivery systems go back on line, the price will drop. 
Just securing the Straits of Hormuz will likely cause a $10-$30/bbl drop in price.

[Idiot]

While midstream assets have been targeted, they tend to be on the delivery end.
The wells themselves have not been the targets (unlike Iraq leaving Kuwait), simply because interdicting delivery has the same effect without damage to infrastructure needed to produce the oil.
It's a matter of building new tanks, repairing pipelines and pumping stations, not drilling new wells.
The damage done to delivery systems can be fixed much more quickly, and has less environmental impact (for those worried about that in the midst of a war) than uncontrolled wells burning (and producing) away.
As those delivery systems go back on line, the price will drop. 
Just securing the Straits of Hormuz will likely cause a $10-$30/bbl drop in price.

Trump wasn't happy with $60 oil and wants it much lower.  I pray your are correct.