64% of Americans Say Rising Gas Prices Have Affected Household Finances

Some 64% of Americans say recent increases in gas prices have affected their household’s financial situation, with a large majority (83%) expecting gas prices to continue to rise in the next month, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted May 8-11 finds.

Economic stress is often cited as one of the reasons beer, wine and spirits are seeing declining sales.

With gas prices approaching all-time highs, 86% of Americans say the conflict with Iran bears a great deal or fair amount of responsibility for the recent rise in prices. Three-quarters say the Trump administration is responsible, while 73% say the same about oil and gas companies.

When it comes to U.S. military action in Iran, 53% say the Trump administration does not have a clear strategy for achieving its goals in the conflict; fewer (23%) say the administration has a clear strategy in place. At this stage of the conflict, just 34% say the U.S. currently has the “advantage,” compared with 24% who say neither side has the advantage and 15% who say Iran has the advantage (26% are unsure). Despite these tepid assessments, just over half (55%) say it is likely that the U.S. ultimately succeeds in achieving its goals for Iran.

Separately, the poll finds that 39% of Americans report being very or somewhat enthusiastic about voting in the 2026 congressional elections. Democrats (55%) are slightly more likely than Republicans (47%) to report being excited to vote.