Washington: Democratic lawmakers in the United States have sharply criticised President Donald Trump’s escalation of tensions with Iran as gas prices soar nationwide, urging the White House to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to ease pressure on American families.

Crude oil prices have surged past $120 a barrel for the first time in four years, pushing fuel costs sharply higher across the country. The spike comes amid disruptions to global energy flows from the Middle East, raising concerns over affordability for millions of Americans.

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said rising gas prices were hitting households already struggling with everyday living expenses.

"Because of President Trump’s war in Iran, the average price per gallon in Illinois has soared by nearly fifty cents in just the past month. President Trump might say this is a ‘very small price to pay,’ but families struggling to fill their tanks disagree," Krishnamoorthi said.

He added, "By now it’s clear that the President started this war with no strategy, no plan to end it, and no concern for its impacts on hard-working Americans."

Krishnamoorthi called for an immediate release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to stabilise fuel prices.

"oday, I am calling on the White House to immediately tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reduce the price of gas. President Trump’s failure to tap the Reserve — which we did most recently when the war in Ukraine began — is inexplicable," he said.

Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens also criticised the administration, warning that American families were bearing the financial burden of Trump’s foreign policy.

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"From the start, the Trump Administration has been a disaster for American families. From his erratic tariffs to his reckless war, it’s clear that Trump’s agenda only causes chaos throughout the world while making life more unaffordable for Americans here at home," Stevens said. "America cannot afford the $1 billion a day we’re paying for this war, and American families cannot afford the price hikes for oil and gas we’re seeing because the Trump Administration didn’t anticipate Iran’s response."

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer echoed calls for action, noting that the Iran conflict is already driving energy costs higher.

"The Strategic Petroleum Reserve exists for moments exactly like this,” Schumer said. “When wars and global crises disrupt energy markets, the United States has the ability to act, but President Trump and his administration are refusing to do so," Schumer said.

Gasoline prices have jumped approximately 43 cents per gallon since the conflict began on February 28, reaching an average of $3.41 per gallon nationwide — a 14 per cent increase in just one week and the highest levels since 2024.

Disruptions to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have cut roughly one-fifth of global oil supply, amplifying market volatility and pushing fuel costs even higher.

Schumer emphasised immediate action: "Trump should release oil from the SPR now to stabilise markets, bring prices down, and stop the price shock that American families are already feeling thanks to his reckless war."

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Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin criticised the administration’s approach to the conflict, highlighting both human and economic costs.

"President Trump has tried to position himself as the ‘Peace President,’ but his actions tell a different story. With Iran, he has spiked gas prices, American lives lost, and created risk and uncertainty in a difficult region. All, I worry, without a clear strategy or end game," Durbin said.

He reflected on the human toll of war: "I will never forget the rows of beds of young men and women with terrible injuries from roadside bombs and IEDs in the Iraq War. That is the real cost of war—a war that this Administration cannot explain."

The Democratic National Committee also weighed in, saying surging fuel prices represent the latest strain on American families.

"Donald Trump is out of touch with everyday Americans. Working families are scraping the bottom of their bank accounts just to afford basic necessities, from gas to groceries to health care," said DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer.

As gas prices climb amid geopolitical tension, calls are intensifying for the Trump administration to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and provide relief to American households.

IANS