Mississippi gas prices rise as U.S.-Iran conflict escalates

MISSISSIPPI. (WLBT) – Gas prices are rising across the country, and drivers in Mississippi say they are already feeling the impact.

The national average reached $2.99 a gallon as of Monday, up 5 cents since Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Crude oil prices jumped more than 6% on Monday, tied to the escalating conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.

Wesley Huffers, a Mississippi resident, said $3 a gallon is his breaking point.

“It’s very concerning because it’s already at three dollars,” Huffers said. “So, if it goes up any more, it’s going to hurt a lot of people — does a lot of driving.”

Mathew Monkel was traveling through Mississippi on Monday after driving up from Pensacola, Florida. He said he watched prices increase throughout the day.

“It’s wild. I have been driving through Pensacola, Florida today and everywhere I looked, it’s going up — three dollars a gallon,” Monkel said. “And yesterday, it was like two-fifty.”

Monkel said the increases add up quickly for frequent drivers.

“I mean, that’s a lot of money. It adds up if I drive a lot. So, that impacts me a lot,” he said.

Huffers noted that prices had been trending down before this week’s spike.

“It was finally coming down. We seen gas at like $2.80 and something, $2.75 at some spots and it’s starting to rise again,” Huffers said.

How much further prices rise in the coming weeks depends on how the conflict continues to develop.

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