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
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today unveiled a bold plan to protect the nation’s prime farm and ranchland from the rapid spread of data centers.
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

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.
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.