This story appeared in The Logoffa daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news rule your life. Register here.
Welcome to The Logoff: President Donald Trump’s war with Iran has caused the United States to raise gas prices to the highest level in more than three years.
What happened? On Tuesday, the national average for a gallon of gasoline paid $4 for the first time since August 2022, marking an increase of more than $1/gallon since the war with Iran began.
The increase is largely the result of Iran’s decision early in the war to close the Strait of Hormuz to more people. Until recently, about a fifth of the world’s oil supply went through that channel.
Why is the price of gas so important? While gas isn’t the biggest item in most people’s budgets, it’s one measure of the cost of living that most Americans interact with on a regular basis and it’s printed next to the road everywhere. Trump has also frequently boasted about lowering gas prices, often produces false statistics.
It’s also an indicator of a major energy shock in the global market: Oil prices are rising somewhere above $100/barrel, diesel prices are at $5.45/gallon, and jet fuel prices are up. twice.
What? what’s next It’s anyone’s guess. In the Community Facts post on TuesdayTrump suggested he may be seeking to end US involvement in the war while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to reports The Wall Street Journal. Trump’s previous efforts to recruit US allies to help open the strait it fell flat.
The problem remains closed, however, as the global energy crisis worsens — and that’s not something Trump can choose to withdraw from.
And so, it’s time to leave…
If all goes to plan, the United States will send astronauts to the moon tomorrow for the first time in more than 53 years. Unlike the Apollo missions in 1972, the Artemis II crew will not land on the lunar surface; for this trip, they will slingshot Apollo 13-style before returning to Earth.
The Artemis rocket is expected to take off tomorrow evening from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 6:24 pm (assuming the weather is good). We’re covering it today too, though, because the space is exciting, and that way you’ll have more time to read this great Wired story about what the mission will involve.
Have a good evening, and we’ll see you here tomorrow!
