Inflation soared last month in the United States, reaching 3.3% over the year, reflecting the surge in prices at the pump following the Middle East war.
Uncertainty surrounds the start of talks in Pakistan between Iranians and Americans on the third day of the ceasefire. The arrival of delegations has not been confirmed and Donald Trump accuses Tehran of not respecting the agreement. Another American challenge: to reduce high inflation in the country.
The war in the Middle East has indeed had a strong impact on the cost of living in the United States. Inflation accelerates to 3.3% over a year, the first since May 2024, and it increases by 0.9% over a month. It is the largest increase since June 2022, at the peak of the post-Covid inflation crisis, and after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
It is especially energy prices that are skyrocketing, notably at the pump. Despite being the world’s leading oil producer, the United States has still suffered from the surge in prices. Between February and March, they increased by 21%. According to the BLS statistical service, this is unprecedented since the creation of a gas index in 1967.
When Americans fill up their cars, they are now paying over $4.15 per gallon (about 3.80 liters), compared to about three dollars before the war. “The war has clear economic repercussions that weigh heavily on middle and low-income households […] and this is just the beginning,” summarizes Heather Long, an economist at the Navy Federal Credit Union bank quoted by AFP.
“The rise in gasoline prices, diesel, and airfares is being felt and is putting American households to the test.”
Heather Long, economistfranceinfo
However, Donald Trump was elected in part on the promise of boosting purchasing power. A spokesperson for the White House assures that this inflationary surge is a short-term disruption that was anticipated and that the Trump administration is “actively working to mitigate.” And he adds, “while the administration ensures the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, the American economy remains on a solid track“.
After more than 40 days of war, the Strait of Hormuz remains almost closed. The fate of this strategic artery will be one of the issues in the negotiations set to begin on Saturday, April 11 between Americans and Iranians.
/2026/04/11/69d9e41a4ba76547164270.jpg "War in Ukraine: Russia bombs residential area hours before Easter ceasefire")
