U.S. military forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers, officials said, driving Brent crude futures to $100 per barrel on September 9 for the first time since July. November West Texas Intermediate futures traded near $95 per barrel, while U.S. diesel rose to a record $5.92 per gallon and regular gasoline averaged $4.22, according to AAA. Gasoline prices have climbed 42% since the conflict began on February 28, 2026, weighing on consumer sentiment and confidence measures in August. The increase extends a wider energy shock affecting the UK and South Africa, where higher crude prices have lifted petrol costs and raised expectations of October fuel-price increases. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said oil could fall to $40 to $50 per barrel after the Middle East conflict ends, while Goldman Sachs warned that intensified attacks on regional shipping could drive prices as high as $120. Goldman Sachs' Samantha Dart said the end of peak U.S. driving season should ease gasoline demand sequentially, though prices would not return to normal levels.