The cost of filling up the gas tank for America's most popular vehicles has risen sharply over the past year, driven largely by the ongoing Iran war under President Donald Trump. According to AAA's national average price of $4.46 per gallon on Monday, May 4, filling a Ford F-150's 36-gallon tank now costs $160.56, a staggering $46.44 increase from $114.12 a year ago.
Impact on Popular Vehicles
The Ford F-150, the most driven vehicle in the United States according to Experian's latest data on vehicles in operation, is among the hardest hit. The typical F-150 driver uses approximately 374 gallons of gasoline annually, based on Federal Highway Administration figures. At current prices, this translates to an extra $482 per year compared to 2025.
For owners of the Toyota Camry, America's most popular sedan, the pain is also evident. Filling its 13-gallon tank now costs $57.98, up $16.77 from $41.21 last year. Camry drivers, who typically use around 293 gallons annually, are paying $378 more in 2026 than the previous year.
Summer Blend Adds to Costs
In addition to geopolitical tensions, a seasonal shift to a more expensive summer gasoline blend—designed to reduce emissions in warmer weather—has further aggravated prices at the pump. This combination has kept fuel costs elevated, with the Trump administration struggling to reassure consumers.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the burden on Americans during a Fox News interview on Monday, stating, "We are cognizant that this short-term blip up in prices is affecting the American people, but I am also confident on the other side of this, prices are going to come down very quickly."
President Trump himself has downplayed the increases, telling reporters in mid-April that gas prices were "not very high" despite exceeding $4 per gallon. Last Thursday, he promised that once the Iran war concludes, gas prices will "drop like a rock." However, no timeline for the war's end has been provided, leaving uncertainty for millions of drivers.
