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 Ranger Road Fire spreads from the Oklahoma Panhandle into Kansas as high winds and red flag conditions persist
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma, joined us with a sneak peek at Commodity Classic next week in San Antonio, Texas.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
Coverage on “Market Day Report,” Wed, 2/25 – Fri, 2/27, 2026

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.