BUSINESS

Energy Secretary Predicts Gas Prices May Stay High

PUBLISHED Apr 19, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 67%

Right 33%

Sources: 6

Washington — Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday on CNN that U.S. gasoline prices likely peaked in the week following a surge tied to the Iran conflict but could remain above $3 per gallon until next year; officials attributed recent increases to shipping restrictions near the Strait of Hormuz and related regional incidents. This week, officials and market trackers reported national averages around $4.00–$4.11 per gallon, with state-level year-over-year increases as high as 42.5% in Kentucky; President Trump publicly disputed Wright's timeline on Monday, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered a quicker summer decline estimate, and analysts said prices should fall once the conflict resolves.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Feb 28, Operation Epicy Fury begins, escalating Iran-related conflict.
Subsequent weeks, shipping restrictions and regional incidents disrupt Strait of Hormuz transit.
Early April, U.S. seizes an Iranian vessel; oil prices rise.
April 15, 2026, national average gasoline reported at $4.11 per gallon.
This week, Energy Secretary Wright and other officials provide differing timelines for price normalization.

News Intelligence

High gas prices can hit your wallet hard. If you're in a state like Kentucky, you're feeling a 42.5% increase from last year. It's a good time to consider carpooling, using public transit, or biking to save money.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

Domestic oil producers, refiners, and energy exporters benefited from higher gasoline prices and increased demand amid geopolitical tensions, realizing near-term revenue gains and improved market leverage.

Who Impacted

Consumers, commuters, and fuel-dependent small businesses suffered higher operating costs and reduced discretionary spending due to rising nationwide gasoline prices.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 67%, Right 33%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Consumers, commuters, and fuel-dependent small businesses suffered higher operating costs and reduced discretionary spending due to rising nationwide gasoline prices.