The Iran war is destroying oil demand. Could it also spark a shift to clean energy?
The ongoing Iran war has led to a significant increase in oil prices, prompting many Americans to reduce their driving. This shift has resulted in a notable rise in public transit usage and sales of electric vehicles. Experts suggest that this crisis may catalyze a long-term transition away from fossil fuels, particularly in Asia.
- ▪Gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen by about 40 percent since the Iran war began.
- ▪44 percent of U.S. adults have cut back on driving due to high gas prices.
- ▪The International Energy Agency forecasts a contraction of 420,000 barrels a day in global oil demand this year.
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Kate Yoder Senior Staff Writer Published May 20, 2026 Topic Climate + Economics Share/Republish Copy Link Republish Copy Link Email SMS X Facebook Republish Reddit LinkedIn Bluesky With the average price of gasoline in the United States above $4.50 a gallon — about a 40 percent rise since the Iran war began in late February — Americans have been climbing into their cars less often, and stepping into trains and buses instead. It’s been declared the largest oil supply disruption in history, with U.S. drivers paying $45 billion more for gasoline and diesel compared to last year. Some 44 percent of U.S. adults say they’ve cut back on driving because of high gas prices, according to a survey in late April from ABC News, the Washington Post, and Ipsos.
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