LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Iran war, now entering its third week, is driving up oil prices — and Las Vegas drivers are feeling it at the pump.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Las Vegas one month ago was $3.62. It has since risen to $4.65, with some stations approaching $5 a gallon.
The White House said the U.S. is now working with other countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Drivers adjust habits as costs climb
Zach Vasser said he noticed the price difference after returning from California, where he paid around $8 a gallon.
“I come here, it’s closer to five,” Vasser said. He added that he has started filling up sooner than necessary to maximize mileage.
David Kirkwood said the increases are affecting his family directly.
“It’s affecting me a lot. We have kids that we got to take to school. You know, we got to get to work,” Kirkwood said.
Rideshare drivers weigh their options
For rideshare drivers, the price increases are threatening their livelihoods. Terrence, who drives for a rideshare company, said the current prices are already cutting into his earnings.
“You know you can’t make anything with the prices the way they are right now, and if it goes any higher then I won’t be able to continue in the rideshare business,” Terrence said.
Uber driver Leanne Hall said the math no longer works after filling her tank.
“I do it to make money. And if the gas prices keep going up, then I’m not going to be, it’d be foolish to do it,” Hall said.
Airfare increases possible
The price spikes may extend beyond the road. Some travel analysts predict domestic airlines may need to raise fares at least 11 percent to offset rising oil costs.
Emily Crowther, who came to Vegas from St. George, Utah to visit family, said she is uncertain about what her monthly fuel costs will look like going forward.
“Right now, I’m only spending like $50. Am I going to have to spend $75 a month? Like I don’t know,” Crowther said. “I think it will go higher before it goes lower. I am a little bit worried about that.”
For perspective, the highest gas price ever recorded in Las Vegas was $5.16 a gallon in June 2022, according to AAA. Travel experts are advising travelers to book trips for the rest of the year now, in anticipation of airfare increases.
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