Fuel Prices Set to Surge in Israel Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

Renewed tensions in the Persian Gulf are driving a sharp increase in global oil prices, which will directly impact fuel costs for Israeli drivers next week. After two months of declining fuel prices due to agreements between Washington and Tehran, crude oil prices have jumped from $70 to $81 per barrel recently, while the US dollar has strengthened to 3.04 shekels. This combination is expected to cause a significant rise in gas station prices in Israel.

The escalation follows a series of dramatic events in the region, including Iranian Revolutionary Guards firing missiles at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging at least two ships and causing a fire on one. These attacks came after the US revoked recent oil sanction relief granted to Iran less than three weeks ago. Just weeks ago, Israeli drivers benefited from a notable fuel price drop, with 95-octane gasoline falling by 32 agorot per liter to 7.48 shekels, marking the largest monthly decrease in three months. This decline was driven by a steep fall in global oil prices from $93 to $80 per barrel within four days, following a peak of $110 during Operation "Roaring Lion."

US President Donald Trump responded harshly to the Iranian escalation, warning on social media that Iran would pay a heavy price for killing American soldiers. He stated he had ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Daniel Kaine to use powerful force against Iran. This statement followed the killing of three US soldiers in a missile attack in Jordan. Meanwhile, Iranian opposition groups reported US airstrikes near Shiraz targeting electronic industry facilities.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Kalibaf criticized the US military buildup in the region, saying trust in diplomatic talks is impossible under current conditions. The renewed tensions are also affecting financial markets, with the US dollar rising against the shekel to around 3.05 and the euro climbing to about 3.48 shekels, reflecting investor shifts to safer assets amid security uncertainties.