$DRESS I just saw that gasoline prices in the United States are reaching record highs for this time of year, and honestly, it’s a fact we shouldn’t ignore. The energy conflict between the United States and Iran continues to drive costs for consumers quite aggressively.

The numbers are quite telling: the national average gasoline price hit $4.12 per gallon this Monday, surpassing even what we saw during the peak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, when it reached $4.07. Diesel is even more affected, hovering around $5.65 per gallon, nearly 60 cents above the previous record for the same period. Since military attacks began just over a month ago, the price has risen more than $1.10 per gallon.
What’s interesting is that, although there is some optimism in the markets about possible ceasefire negotiations, retail prices have only moved slightly. The U.S. Energy Secretary warned that this could remain the case for the coming weeks, even months. Official projections suggest that if the conflict stabilizes in April, we’ll see gasoline at $4.16 in the second quarter, gradually decreasing to $3.55 in the fourth quarter. But here’s what’s concerning: even with this reduction, we will still be paying more than in previous years.
The real impact goes far beyond the gas pump. Diesel fuels the entire economy: freight transportation, agriculture, manufacturing. When the cost of diesel rises, everything else goes up too. Food, logistics, services. It’s a domino effect that is already reflected in inflation numbers. And now, the price of airline tickets is also adding pressure, impacting the upcoming summer travel season.
Analysts warn that if this situation persists, consumers’ disposable income will become even tighter. And that’s exactly what the economy doesn’t need right now. An additional obstacle to the recovery we all hope for.