Home - The Hill - Oil prices surge amid Israel, Iran clash Posted in The HillOil prices surge amid Israel, Iran clashby The editor•13 June 2025•Posted inThe Hill 96 <!– {beacon} Table of Contents Toggle Energy & EnvironmentEnergy & EnvironmentOil prices jump amid Middle East conflict Energy & Environment Energy & Environment <!– The Big Story Oil prices jump amid Middle East conflict Oil prices surged as Middle East tensions soared Friday, with Israel and Iran’s military conducting strikes against each other. © Leo Correa, Associated Press U.S. benchmark WTI was up Friday, increasing to about $73 per barrel from around $69 at the end of the day Thursday. The price increase may also be felt by drivers at the pump. As of Friday, gas prices averaged $3.13 nationally, according to AAA. While the price of oil is lower than it has been in recent weeks, it is still well below 2022’s surge that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At that time, oil prices were reaching $120 per barrel. Prices surged Friday after Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear and military sites, with Tehran retaliating with drone and missile attacks. Iran is a significant producer of oil. Due to sanctions, it only sells to certain countries, but it still contributes to the overall global supply. Read more at TheHill.com. Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I’m Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Trump pulls out of Pacific Northwest salmon restoration agreement President Trump pulled the U.S. out of a Biden-era agreement with several tribes that aimed to restore salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Full Story Prenatal exposure to ‘forever chemicals’ may raise blood pressure during teen years: Study Humans exposed to toxic “forever chemicals” before birth may exhibit higher blood pressure during their teenage years, a new study has found Full Story Yosemite changes rulebook after trans pride flag hung on El Capitan An updated rulebook for Yosemite National Park would criminalize activists for flying certain flags within the world-renowned landscape. Full Story What We’re Reading News we’ve flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Head of FEMA Command Center Quits After Trump Says He’ll Phase Out the Agency (The New York Times) EPA just delayed reporting safety data on 16 toxic chemicals. Here’s what to know. (The Washington Post) On Our Radar Upcoming news themes and events we’re watching: Wednesday The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the Energy Department’s budget. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on modernizing the nation’s rail network. What Others are Reading Two key stories on The Hill right now: Republicans lay groundwork for ‘total tax cliff’ at end of Trump’s term Congressional Republicans are laying the groundwork for a tax cliff at the end of President Trump’s term in office. Read more Newsom becomes a fighter, and Democrats beyond California are cheering California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is meeting the moment, Democrats say. Read more You’re all caught up. See you Monday! Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Energy and Environment newsletter Subscribe The editor More by The editor