Petrol Prices Surge to $3.72 Per Gallon as Iran War Enters Third Week
Washington, 17 March 2026
American motorists face a sharp 27% increase in fuel costs as petrol prices climb from $2.94 to $3.72 per gallon amid the ongoing US-Israel military operation against Iran. The conflict, dubbed ‘Operation Epic Fury’, has rendered the Strait of Hormuz impassable, disrupting 20% of global oil supplies. Despite Trump’s earlier claims the war was ‘already won’, international allies including the UK, Germany, and Australia have declined to join his proposed coalition to reopen the strategic waterway. Oil prices have nearly reached $100 per barrel, with experts warning of further increases if the crisis persists, creating mounting political pressure for the president ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Coalition Building Efforts Fall Short
The escalating energy crisis stems from the broader context of recent political controversies, including Lionel Messi’s contentious White House visit where he applauded Trump’s Iran military briefings during Inter Miami’s championship ceremony [GPT]. Now, three weeks into the conflict as of 15 March 2026, Trump’s attempts to build an international coalition have met with significant resistance [1]. On 15 March, Trump threatened European countries on social media, warning it would be ‘very bad’ for NATO’s future if they failed to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz [2]. His calls for support from China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK have largely gone unanswered, with multiple nations explicitly declining participation [1][2].
International Allies Reject Military Involvement
The rejection by key allies has been swift and decisive. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on 16 March that Britain ‘will not be drawn into the wider war’, though he remained open to a ‘viable collective plan’ to address the strait situation [1]. Australia has categorically refused to send warships, with Catherine King confirming they ‘have not been asked to do so, nor are we contributing’ [2]. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed doubts about expanding the EU’s existing Aspides naval mission to cover the Hormuz Strait [2]. Even France, despite President Emmanuel Macron’s diplomatic engagement with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 March, has not committed military assets [2].
Trump Claims Military Success Despite Ongoing Crisis
Despite the coalition setbacks, Trump has maintained an aggressive public stance about military achievements. On 16 March, he claimed US forces have struck over 7,000 targets in Iran since the operation began, with more than 100 Iranian vessels reportedly sunk [3]. Trump declared Iran’s military capabilities ‘completely destroyed’, asserting that both the air force and navy have lost operational capacity [3]. He specifically highlighted last week’s attack on Kharg Island, Iran’s crucial oil facility, claiming nearly all infrastructure was destroyed except oil transport pipelines [3]. The president warned he could ‘change his decision at any time’, suggesting Iran’s entire oil infrastructure could be eliminated ‘within minutes’ if he chose to do so [3].
Economic and Political Ramifications Mount
The economic impact continues to intensify as the crisis enters its third week. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised that Trump’s ‘utmost responsibility right now as commander in chief is to ensure the continued success of Operation Epic Fury’ [1]. The president has been forced to delay his planned April trip to China by one month due to the ongoing conflict [1]. On 16 March, Trump projected confidence, stating ‘We don’t need anybody. We’re the strongest nation in the world’ [1]. However, the 26.531 = 26.5% increase in petrol prices from $2.94 to $3.72 per gallon [1] presents a significant political challenge with the November 2026 midterm elections still more than seven months away [1]. Oil prices reaching nearly $100 per barrel on 16 March [2] signal potential further increases if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, creating sustained pressure on American consumers and Trump’s political standing.