California gas prices skyrocket to $9
Gas prices have risen high these past few weeks, and will keep rising largely due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The national average has climbed to around $3.88 per gallon, with some areas already reaching or surpassing $4 per gallon. In California, prices are nearly reaching $9. This increase marks a significant jump of more than 80 cents in the past month to $3.68. Higher gasoline prices are affecting daily life according to PBS. People are paying more to commute, travel and transport goods which can also lead to higher prices for food and other necessities. This increase is mainly because of problems with oil supply. A lot of the world’s oil moves through the Middle East and the war in that region is making it harder and riskier to transport. The military activity in the Middle East is also interfering with the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes according to BBC. Overall, as long as the conflict continues, gas prices are expected to stay high or increase even more.
U.S. conflict between Iran and allies
Since the start of the war in Iran, the U.S. has asked for help from many of its allies. As the war in Iran escalates with U.S. and Israeli forces striking Iran’s resources and military assets, the oil prices have also increased causing many allies to be concerned. For many political and legal reasons, most countries have declined to help. The first after Trump’s call for help to secure the Strait of Hormuz was Japan’s Prime Minister according to NPR. While Japan’s Prime Minister said they have no plans on dispatching warships to the Middle East, she also didn’t explicitly turn down Trump’s request. As the war continues, tension between U.S. allies and Iran remains high.
Airports delay from limited budgeting
As the partial government shutdown goes on, delays at major U.S. airports across the country continue according to CBS. Many employees such as Transportation Security Administration Officers (TSA) have been affected by the limited funding of the shutdown. These staff members are essential to the airport for security reasons and without them, wait times at airports rise. Many airports such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston have reported wait times of up to 120 minutes because of the staffing shortages.
