Rising gasoline prices following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran are beginning to alter how Americans travel, shop and spend, according to a New York Times report published Tuesday.

The broader trend of Americans cutting back on spending highlights an economic challenge that could carry political consequences for President Donald Trump and Republicans heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

While Americans remain heavily dependent on their cars, data from Dow Jones Energy show gasoline consumption in May was 6.1% lower than a year earlier, suggesting many drivers are cutting back as fuel costs rise.

Gas station spending, meanwhile, surged 21% between February and May.

Some consumers are abandoning driving altogether when possible. In Philadelphia, 89-year-old retiree Judy Vassallo said soaring fuel prices pushed her onto public transportation.

"Once it becomes a habit, it's not an onerous thing, it's built into the pattern of my behavior," Vassallo told the outlet.

"You're going into the city, you're going to take the bus. And I'm finding that it's so much easier."

Analysts say part of the decline in fuel use reflects more efficient vehicles, but higher prices are also playing a significant role.

"There's more flexibility within working situations," Denton Cinquegrana, chief oil analyst at Dow Jones Energy, said, noting that remote work and other alternatives have made it easier for consumers to drive less.

The price shock is also accelerating interest in fuel-efficient vehicles.

Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, said consumers are increasingly considering hybrid and electric vehicles.

"People who need to buy a car, they're looking online at these options that are more fuel efficient," she said.

Others say high fuel costs are limiting economic opportunities.

Baylii Adams-Yates, a college student and dental assistant in West Virginia, said her Jeep's poor fuel economy makes side work impractical.

"I tried doing DoorDash for the week, and I drained my gas tank within a day, every day," she said. "I would love to be able to do that, but it's not realistic."

The burden extends beyond motorists.

South Dakota farmer Kjersten Oudman said higher diesel costs are forcing difficult business decisions.

"We're going to have to eat it for the foreseeable future," she said, explaining that fuel expenses have delayed planned improvements to her farm operation.

The economic pressures underscore a political challenge for the Trump administration. Historically, gasoline prices have been one of the most visible indicators voters associate with economic performance.

During the 2024 campaign, Trump frequently criticized the Biden administration over energy prices and pledged policies aimed at increasing domestic oil production and lowering fuel costs.

Political analysts have long noted that lower gasoline prices tend to boost consumer confidence by leaving households with more disposable income.

Conversely, sustained price increases can weigh on voter sentiment, particularly among working-class and suburban voters who drive long distances and are sensitive to changes at the pump.

With Republicans defending narrow congressional majorities and seeking gains in the 2026 midterms, the administration has a strong political incentive to prevent energy costs from becoming a prolonged economic drag.

If gasoline prices remain elevated because of Middle East instability, it could likely complicate GOP efforts to campaign on economic strength, even as broader inflation remains below its post-pandemic highs.

The Times noted that some consumers who change their habits during periods of high prices may not fully return to previous levels of driving even if fuel costs eventually decline, potentially extending the economic effects of the current energy shock.