U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand blamed rising gas prices on President Donald Trump’s military conflict with Iran during a stop Friday in Central New York, arguing the war is driving up costs for families, commuters and farmers across the state.
Speaking to reporters at Byrne Dairy in Mattydale, Gillibrand said New Yorkers are paying significantly more at the pump than they were a year ago and called for an immediate end to the conflict.
According to Gillibrand’s office, the average price of gas in New York has climbed to $4.60 per gallon, roughly 50% higher than this time last year.
“Because of this reckless war with Iran, Central New Yorkers are now paying 50 percent more just to get where they need to go,” Gillibrand said in a statement.
The senator said the impact extends beyond commuters, arguing higher diesel costs are also putting pressure on farmers and agricultural operations throughout the state.
“This isn’t just hitting families at the pump; it is also crushing our New York farmers, who are seeing their profits destroyed by the rising cost of diesel needed to run their equipment and get their goods to market,” she said.
Gillibrand said she opposes continued military escalation and pointed to her support for congressional war powers resolutions intended to limit presidential authority over military action involving Iran.
The Democratic senator said Congress should play a larger role in authorizing military force and accused the Trump administration of prioritizing foreign conflict over economic concerns at home.
Friday’s appearance in Mattydale was part of a broader statewide tour focused on rising fuel prices and household affordability concerns.
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