Here’s How Much More RI Drivers Have Paid For Gas Since Iran War Began

The committee's Democratic staff attributed the increase to disruptions and uncertainty caused by the war.

By Joseph Hosey, Patch Staff

Jul 23, 2026 4:15 PM EDT

Rhode Island drivers have collectively spent an estimated $147.6 million more for gasoline since the war with Iran began Feb. 28, according to an analysis released by Democrats on Congress' Joint Economic Committee.

That works out to about $368 in additional gasoline spending for the average Rhode Island household, the committee estimated.

Nationwide, Americans paid about $56.4 billion more for gasoline from Feb. 28 through July 12 than they would have if prices had remained at their prewar levels. The added cost averaged $477 per household, according to the analysis.

The committee's Democratic staff attributed the increase to disruptions and uncertainty caused by the war.

The national average price for regular gasoline was $3.87 a gallon when the report was released July 13, about 30 percent higher than before the war began, the committee said, citing AAA.

The estimated increase varied widely by state. Households in Alabama paid the largest added amount, averaging $686, followed by Utah at $650, Mississippi at $639 and Wyoming at $624.

The smallest estimated household increases were in the District of Columbia, at $215; Washington, $342; Oregon, $346; Hawaii, $356; and Rhode Island's $368.

Texas recorded the largest statewide increase in gasoline spending, at about $5.74 billion, followed by California at $5.45 billion and Florida at $3.89 billion.

The committee calculated its estimates using daily state gasoline prices from AAA through July 12, state gasoline-consumption data from the Federal Highway Administration and national demand figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.