By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Inflation has reached its highest level across the U.S. since 2023 as the war in Iran reaches 10 weeks, meaning higher fuel prices for Americans.
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Tippavan Tridhavee said she has noticed prices everywhere being higher than usual.
“Go around to the store and keep buying things, no, I don’t need it, I can wait until it’s on sale,” Tridhavee said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an inflation surge of 3.8% in the U.S., the nation’s biggest jump in three years.
Ed Ackerley, a professor at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, said the war in Iran is the root cause of the current inflation.
“The root cause of the current inflation has to be the war in Iran, and that is causing gas prices to go up with the Strait of Hormuz,” Ackerley said.
According to AAA, gasoline prices in Arizona are up more than 45% from this time last year, reaching an average of $4.50.
Ackerley said higher prices at the pump could also lead to higher prices elsewhere.
“Distribution for food, distribution for retail items and so forth,” Ackerley said.
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Debbie Dewitt, a rancher, said skimping out on fuel is not an option, as it is a necessity in almost every aspect of her work. With gas prices at the highest they have been since the start of the war in Iran, she said she has learned to adapt.
“You can double up with your friends and ride with them, and instead of taking several cars, everybody pile in one,” Dewitt said.
Dewitt said while it has been difficult, she has hope that prices will come down soon.
“We got into a war so this has got to get over, and I think it’ll come down – I know it will,” Dewitt said.
Experts said since there is still uncertainty as to when the war in Iran will end, they cannot be sure when prices could eventually come down.
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