Diesel price hits all-time high in US amid Iran war woes

Price of gasoline also sets new record for Labor Day weekend ahead of crucial midterm elections in November.The price of diesel in the United States has reached a record high of $5.85 per gallon (3.9 liters) amid the war with Iran, despite President Donald Trump’s repeated claim that the US is in control of the Strait of Hormuz.The new record for the national average price, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), was set on Friday, surpassing the previous peak that was recorded in June 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Iran war: Why US midterms could be a pivotal momentlist 2 of 3South Korea mulls ‘contributions’ in Strait of Hormuzlist 3 of 3‘Things happen’: How Vance’s comment on Iran wedding strike fits US patternend of listDiesel – which is mostly refined from crude oil in the US – is used to power heavy machinery, buses, trains and large trucks. The price hike is expected to increase the transportation and production costs of many products, including groceries.The new record came weeks ahead of the congressional midterm elections in November as Trump’s Republican Party pushes to retain control of the US Senate and US House of Representatives.Public opinion polls have shown that the war with Iran remains unpopular with US voters, and the cost of living has emerged as a top electoral issue across the country.The price of gasoline has also continued to rise in recent days, reaching $4.14 on Friday ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend in the US.The price is a record high for this time of the year.“Labor Day weekend travelers are facing the highest gas prices ever for this time of year,” AAA said in a report on Friday. “Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range. After a record-setting August, this Labor Day weekend is on track to also set a record at the pump. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day.”A gallon of gasoline was less than $3 before the Trump administration joined Israel in starting the war on Iran.