Long lines at South Florida gas stations as prices climb amid Iran conflict concerns
From above, the scene is hard to miss.
The NBC6 chopper flew over a busy Costco in Davie on Wednesday, where cars stretched deep into the parking lot, and traffic in and out of the gas station appeared nonstop.
For many drivers, the long wait wasn’t a surprise.
“Is it frustrating to see long lines?” NBC6 asked a driver. “Not really. No,” said the consumer.
“It was expected, so we gotta get gas, you know, just load up,” another woman said while waiting in line.
Gas prices across the country have risen by six cents over the past two weeks, according to GasBuddy.
The organization reports the national average now stands at $2.94 per gallon.
NBC6 cameras captured similar scenes not only in Broward County but also in Miami-Dade. In Palmetto Bay, drivers lined up at local Marathon Petroleum and Shell stations, where the lowest posted prices were $3.25 and $3.19 per gallon.
Why prices are rising
Matt McClain with GasBuddy says the increase is tied to escalating tensions involving Iran, which have raised fears about potential oil supply disruptions.
A key concern is the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global transit route for oil shipments. Any threat to that corridor can quickly ripple through energy markets worldwide
“The unfortunate aspect [is] prices are not going to remain where they are,” McClain said.
He warns drivers could see gas jump another 20 to 55 cents per gallon if tensions continue.
Still, he urges calm.
“What we don’t want is a rush at the pump,” McClain said, noting panic buying could further strain supply and drive prices even higher.
But much depends on how the conflict unfolds.
McClain says if Iran’s ability to disrupt oil infrastructure in other countries is significantly reduced, markets could stabilize. But for now, uncertainty dominates — and that’s what many drivers say is most frustrating.
Some are focused simply on filling up.
“I need gas, that’s it,” said a woman waiting in line.
Others are thinking beyond the pump.
“I think the most frustrating thing to see is civilians and innocent people die,” another said.
With tensions overseas and prices climbing at home, South Florida drivers are watching both the headlines — and the numbers on the pump.
