Gas prices surge amid U.S.-Iran conflict

BULLARD – East Texas drivers are feeling the pain at the pump in a place where fuel normally hovers around the two-dollar-a-gallon mark. The offensive launched against Iran happened just four days ago and drivers in Tyler are already feeling the effects. Zippy J’s on Old Bullard Road in Tyler had their regular gas priced at $2.44 a gallon last week. As of Wednesday, the price has jumped to $2.79.

Even though the U.S. doesn’t import oil from Iran, China and India and the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to open waters, is blocked, that sends a ripple effect throughout the world, even on countries that don’t heavily rely on oil from the Middle East.

According to AAA, it’s tough to know when prices will drop again, but in the meantime, customers can follow tips for preserving gas.

“When you’re behind the wheel, slow down and drive the speed limit,” Amrbruster said. “On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly, especially… You want to avoid those quick accelerations.”