One of the many byproducts of the war with the Middle East is the cost of resources and their general availability. More specifically, oil has been a major resource that has seen fluctuating prices. As a result, gas prices across the United States have skyrocketed over the course of the last few months of 2026. Greeley residents and students at the University of Northern Colorado find themselves stretching every dollar to account for the problems brought on by global relations.
Rising gas prices in 2026 have caused much frustration amongst UNC students. As the war with the Middle East continues, many are left wondering if there will be a timely solution to the costly problem.
Gas prices have been on a gradual rise over the last few years as presidents have changed and global relations have shifted. However, the increase has been much more tangible following the beginning of the war with Iran. Individuals like first-year student Perseus Coughlin noticed this especially over spring break.
“So I’m from Pueblo, I’m not from Greeley… and I went home for spring break. Insane,” Coughlin said. “There’s like a million gas stations in Pueblo, and they’re all so drastically different. So it completely depends on where you’re running out of gas.”
Many feel concerns and low optimism for the road ahead for gas prices. Just within the last month, the national average has risen nearly a whole dollar.
Coughlin’s frustrations are backed up by data. AAA surveys found that in just one month the national average for regular fuel has risen from $2.983 per gallon to $3.981 per gallon. This increase has caused concerns amongst citizens and economists alike.
The problem doesn’t end at just feeling a concern for global relations though. Many students have found that budget cuts and creative thinking are necessary actions to get through this rough time period.
“When I’m getting around town I kind of notice myself, like, focusing more on like carpooling,” second-year student Kaden Waugh said. “But I’ve found myself being more, like, very observant about what places have, like, the best gas prices.”
Gas stations are also facing troubles during this time of tense global relations. Popular spots in town such as Maverick or Sinclair have steadily been losing customers due to their over four dollar a gallon prices.
Despite the convenience of having gas stations in town, many residents often find it easier to make the commute to Buc-ee’s when trying to save money. The global chain’s prices have remained some of the best during this time, at the expense of a nearly 30 minute drive for Greeley residents. For students like Kora Kane, saving the money would be a dream come true in this day and age.
“It would stay in my savings account, which is where it's supposed to be in the first place,” Kane said. “Slowly draining it is really stressing me out because the less I have in my savings account the more I have to take out in loans.”
The war in the Middle East only recently started in the early months of the new year, yet the impacts have been felt very quickly. Students and the global population alike can only sit and hope that the finish line for a resolution is in sight. However, this unfortunately may only be wishful thinking as time continues.
“It’s not the people making any of the decisions being affected by it,” Kane said. “It’s the rest of us… They’re as rich as they were before the gas prices went up.”
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