{
  "id": 10447726,
  "title": "Why fuel prices may go higher still",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/why-fuel-prices-may-go-higher-still",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-28T12:43:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation",
    "slug": "the-conversation",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/why-fuel-prices-may-go-higher-still-292853"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oil prices have been rising rapidly since the conflict in Iran began in February 2026. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for Middle Eastern oil, is operating at only 15% of its prewar capacity. Oil prices have climbed from $65 per barrel to over $100 per barrel in mid-September. Analysts feared prices could reach $150 or even $200 per barrel, but this has not yet materialized. The pipeline from Saudi Arabia to Yanbu on the Red Sea, which can carry up to 7 million barrels per day, has been intermittently attacked by Iran-backed militias, causing temporary disruptions. Russia's drone strikes on refineries have reduced diesel production and prompted a ban on exports, removing 3% of the global daily supply of diesel fuel. Americans are spending $117 billion more on fuel since March 1 compared to the same period last year, with diesel prices reaching an average of $6.52 per gallon. The international community has already used most of its tools to curb demand and increase supply, leaving limited options and the risk of further price hikes.",
  "summary": "Seven months into the US conflict with Iran, with no clear end in sight, the global oil market has now largely exhausted the safety measures that exist to keep a lid on petroleum prices.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}