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
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital officially becomes Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, marking a new era of compassionate, world-class pediatric care in Tennessee.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says the 2026 Farm Bill is bipartisan, with 82% of the bills incorporated into it receiving bipartisan support.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.