Tensions in the Middle East could impact fuel bills across middle America

Ag analysts are closely watching the Middle East after threats by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. The relatively short marine passageway is vital to global oil shipping, and any disruptions could translate to higher oil prices.

Iran is threatening to close the 90-mile passageway after U.S. attacks on nuclear facilities there. The route is a popular choice for oil shipments, carrying around 20 million barrels of oil each day. Analysts with Hedgepoint say any jump in oil prices will hit shippers first, with fuel being one of the largest costs.

Oil prices are up around 10 percent since earlier this month. AAA currently shows the national average for a gallon of diesel is around $3.69, and one month ago, the same gallon was $3.55.

Related Stories
EPA estimates the rule could generate more than $10 billion for rural economies and support over 100,000 jobs across agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
As ag lawmakers in the Senate await the House vote on the Farm Bill, they are eager to discuss the challenges farmers face before it is their turn to take up the critical legislation.
Brooks York with AgriSompo addresses how current market conditions and risk management are impacted by volatility in the Middle East, and considerations for farmers in the spring planting season.
RFA and ACE leaders join us to discuss the latest developments in ethanol policy, market impacts, and the path forward
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
As farmers and ranchers navigate rising input costs, lawmakers are considering a roughly $15 billion aid package to help, which would be tied to the spending bill for the war with Iran.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
The new AFBF Women in Agriculture survey is accepting responses from women in the industry across the United States now through March 31.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) representative Dr. Dirac Twidwell joins us with the latest on woody encroachment conservation efforts in the Great Plains.
After years of battling misinformation online, Potatoes USA is using artificial intelligence to monitor and respond to false claims about the industry.
We highlight an Iowa FFA student who is harnessing the power of AI technology to assess stress in agriculture-related careers.