The Iran War Drove Up Gas Prices For Virginians, With Some Blaming Jen Kiggans’ Support For The War

May 2026: Average Gas Prices In Norfolk-Virginia Beach Were Up Significantly, From Under $3 A Year Ago To Close To $4.50

5/7/26: AAA: Gas Prices In Norfolk-Virginia Beach Were Up Significantly And Raising Week Over Week, And About $1.50 More Expensive Than They Were A Year Prior. [AAA, Virginia Gas Prices Averages, Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, accessed 5/7/26]

[AAA, Virginia Gas Prices Averages, Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, accessed 5/7/26]

May 2026: The Iran War Drove Gas Prices Up For Virginians, With Some Unable To Fill Their Tanks All The Way Due To The Price

12 On Your Side Headline: “‘It’s A Burden:’ Virginia Drivers Continue To Watch Gas Prices Soar” [12 On Your Side, 5/5/26]

12 On Your Side: “Two Months Into The War In Iran, Drivers Say They Are Paying Significantly More At The Pump.” “Two months into the war in Iran, drivers say they are paying significantly more at the pump. ‘Average it used to take at least $45, $50, now it’s reaching about $70,’ one driver said. Another driver said it costs $80 a day just to commute to work. While warmer months typically bring higher gas prices, the war is adding to that cost. With no clear end to the conflict in sight, drivers are frustrated. ‘It’s going to put the country in the poorhouse,’ one driver said. ‘Man, gas prices is crazy right now. They have to do something about it,’ another said. The highest gas average in Virginia was set in June 2022 during the early days of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. AAA spokesman Morgan Dean said there is no way to tell whether prices will exceed that record. However, driver Jimmie Gross is concerned. ‘It’s a burden. I don’t know what’s going on. I wish prices would come down, but they say it’s going to go up before it comes down,’ Gross said. Gross said he no longer fills his tank completely. He just pays what he can.” [12 On Your Side, 5/5/26]

• Virginia Drivers Were Paying Significantly More For Gas, With One Even Saying He Stopped Filling His Tank All The Way And Just Paid What He Could For A Partial Tank. “Two months into the war in Iran, drivers say they are paying significantly more at the pump. ‘Average it used to take at least $45, $50, now it’s reaching about $70,’ one driver said. Another driver said it costs $80 a day just to commute to work. While warmer months typically bring higher gas prices, the war is adding to that cost. With no clear end to the conflict in sight, drivers are frustrated. ‘It’s going to put the country in the poorhouse,’ one driver said. ‘Man, gas prices is crazy right now. They have to do something about it,’ another said. The highest gas average in Virginia was set in June 2022 during the early days of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. AAA spokesman Morgan Dean said there is no way to tell whether prices will exceed that record. However, driver Jimmie Gross is concerned. ‘It’s a burden. I don’t know what’s going on. I wish prices would come down, but they say it’s going to go up before it comes down,’ Gross said. Gross said he no longer fills his tank completely. He just pays what he can.” [12 On Your Side, 5/5/26]

A Community Advocate Said Of Kiggans: “She’s Literally Making The Cost Of Things Unaffordable For Not Only The People We Interact With, But For People All Across Hampton Roads”

An Advocate From A Community Organization Working To Address High Gas Prices Said He Partially Blamed Kiggans For Raising Prices Across Hampton Roads. “Community advocates stepped in to provide relief to residents struggling with rising fuel costs on Thursday, distributing $25 gas cards, food, and household essentials. Advocates with Affordable Virginia held a drive to hand out various supplies at a gas station in Chesapeake. The effort comes as U.S. oil prices climbed above $102 per barrel earlier in the day, contributing to higher prices at the pump and increasing financial pressure for many families across Hampton Roads. Advocates said the rising costs are becoming unsustainable for residents. Joe White, a representative of the organization, voiced frustration over the situation, placing partial blame on Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02). ‘She’s literally making the cost of things unaffordable for not only the people we interact with, but for people all across Hampton Roads,’ White said, referring to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans' support for the war in Iran.” [13 News Now, 4/9/26]

• Joe White: “She’s Literally Making The Cost Of Things Unaffordable For Not Only The People We Interact With, But For People All Across Hampton Roads.” “Community advocates stepped in to provide relief to residents struggling with rising fuel costs on Thursday, distributing $25 gas cards, food, and household essentials. Advocates with Affordable Virginia held a drive to hand out various supplies at a gas station in Chesapeake. The effort comes as U.S. oil prices climbed above $102 per barrel earlier in the day, contributing to higher prices at the pump and increasing financial pressure for many families across Hampton Roads. Advocates said the rising costs are becoming unsustainable for residents. Joe White, a representative of the organization, voiced frustration over the situation, placing partial blame on Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02). ‘She’s literally making the cost of things unaffordable for not only the people we interact with, but for people all across Hampton Roads,’ White said, referring to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans' support for the war in Iran.” [13 News Now, 4/9/26]