• Vice President JD Vance promises announcements within 24-48 hours to address rising gas prices, while blaming prior administration policies for current challenges.
  • National average gas prices have jumped to $3.59 per gallon, up 34 cents weekly, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that disrupted oil supplies.
  • Rising prices have cost Americans an extra $2.191 billion on gasoline since the strikes began, according to GasBuddy data, creating immediate household budget strain.

Vice President JD Vance's comments in North Carolina came as drivers nationwide face the sharpest weekly gasoline price increase in months, with the national average hitting $3.59 per gallon—a 34-cent surge that has sparked immediate backlash on social media and in household budgets. Speaking to a crowd that included frustrated local drivers, Vance said he would announce "a couple of things" in the next 24 to 48 hours, though no specific details have emerged as of March 18, 2026.

"What we're seeing at the pumps right now is the direct result of policies that failed to secure American energy independence," Vance said, according to people familiar with his prepared remarks. He credited President Trump's energy policies for keeping prices lower than under the Biden administration, while deflecting blame from current leadership despite the timing of recent price spikes. Attempts to reach Vance's office for additional comment on the upcoming announcements were unsuccessful.

The price surge follows U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began last month, disrupting oil supplies and creating volatility in global markets. Industry analysts note that without de-escalation in the Middle East, short-term relief seems unlikely, with experts predicting sustained highs if military actions continue. This has created a challenging political environment for the administration, even as Trump himself has noted that high prices bring revenue to U.S. oil producers who are setting profit records.

On the ground, the economic impact is immediate. According to GasBuddy data, Americans have spent an extra $2.191 billion on gasoline since the strikes began, with households reporting strain on budgets and drivers in states like North Carolina expressing frustration. Online debates have amplified partisan divides, with some critics calling Vance's comments tone-deaf and others seeing them as a necessary defense of administration policies.

This isn't the first time Vance has addressed consumer price concerns. In January 2025, he promised eventual grocery price drops through energy policies, though those announcements have yet to materialize in significant relief. The current situation echoes similar deflections that occurred during 2021-2022 shortages, though the global factors at play—particularly Iran's role in OPEC+ cuts and broader Middle East tensions—present more complex challenges.

Looking ahead, the administration's long-term policies aim for more domestic drilling to reduce reliance on volatile global markets, but immediate pricing remains dominated by overseas events. As drivers wait for Vance's promised announcements, the pressure continues to build at pumps across the country.