Why have fuel prices been rocky and higher?

Fuel prices have been rocky lately, and it stems from a recent decision out of the White House, according to GasBuddy.

“The Biden administration issued harsher sanctions on shipping companies and vessels that would operate and take sanctioned crude oil from countries like Iran and Russia and deliver it to countries like China and India. Those reinforced sanctions will likely curb the flow of oil from those countries, essentially leading to a lower global oil supply,” said GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan.

DeHaan says tariff talks are also having an impact, specifically against places like Canada, which is our largest energy trade partner.

“The U.S. receives a significant amount of crude oil, especially from Canada, and so the Saber rattling on the front of threatening Canadian tariffs has had an impact on prices. And if President-elect Trump does follow through on those tariffs, will likely have a drastic potential impact on the economies of both the U.S. and Canada.”

Winter temperatures are also playing a role. More cold weather is expected in places like the Northeast, which could lead to more oil set aside for heating.

Related Stories
The new rule removes prevented-plant buy-up coverage, prompting strong objections from farm groups concerned about added risk exposure.
Tight Credit, Strong Yields Define Early December Agriculture
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Read the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official press release published on Monday, December 8, 2025.
$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
Congressman Blake Moore of Utah discusses the bill’s potential to promote both economic growth and healthier forests on this week’s Champions of Rural America.
Mike Newland with the Propane Education & Research Council shares how producers can prepare for winter weather and the benefits of propane.
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.