As the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran continues, one big ramification that may be felt by many across the tri-state in coming weeks could be to the wallet — particularly when it comes to travel.
Whether it’s by car or by air, it could soon cost more to hit the road or the skies as an indirect result of the attacks. It all boils down to one thing: oil.
Here’s a breakdown for what drivers and flyers could expect to see over the next few weeks and months.
Gas Prices
Will drivers have to pay more at the pump? And when? That’s the concern for drivers around the tri-state.
The cost of crude oil up shot up on Monday, with AAA data showing it up about $7 a barrel. Meanwhile, some of the world’s largest oil-producing countries have halted production, and ships hauling fuel have anchored around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
“The main impact is the Strait of Hormuz, through which fully 20% to 30% of the world’s crude oil transits,” said Robert Sinclair Jr., of AAA Northeast.
AAA says the shutdown could translate to an increase of about 15 to 20 cents a gallon — for now.
“But how far they go up is really going to be determined by how long this action lasts and what sort of impact, literally, it has on oil infrastructure in the Middle East,” Sinclair said.
As of Sunday, AAA reported a gallon of gas in New York is averaging $3 a gallon. A year ago at this time, in 2025, it was $3.15.
In New Jersey, a gallon is averaging $2.91, according to AAA. In 2025, it was $3. And a gallon of regular is averaging $2.92 in Connecticut, compared to $3.06 a year ago.
AAA says supply is not an issue. The U.S. is the world’s number one oil producer. The international market, though, is what will drive prices. Changes at the pump could be seen as soon as this week.
Prices have gone up in recent weeks as the switch is made to the summer blend of gas. To meet the peak demand, OPEC Plus had already announced an increase in production. On Sunday, the group said it would pump out an additional 200,000 barrels a day starting in April.
Airline Prices
Another part of the ripple effect from the conflict in the Middle East: airfare. Travelers can expect it to go up soon.
There is already immediate impact on air travel, as flights are delayed and rerouted to avoid the area around Iran. On Monday, a New Jersey family traveling from New Delhi, India, to Newark said it took much longer — 17 hours — for their flight to make it home thanks to flight redirects around closed airspace.
Thousands of flights have been affected across the world, even those not traveling to or through the Middle East. At Newark Airport, flights to and from Tel Aviv and Dubai remained canceled. The Israeli airline El Al had an empty check-in counter.
But there could be longer-term impacts as well, especially on airfare. Tickets for many flights may go up in price as a result of rising fuel costs and more fuel usage in order for planes to navigate restricted airspace.
The prolonged disruption to air traffic could lead to price hikes, with less flights available. And the chances of getting delayed or stranded increases as well.
