I went to my usual gas station and saw the price at $5.30 per gallon.

From what I remember, the last time I filled up, it was probably less than $4.50, so I couldn't help but say, "What the heck?"

Honestly, everyone knows why gas prices are rising. Right now, there is a war going on in the Middle East where the U.S. and Israel are attacking Iran. The news talks about complicated strategies and diplomacy, but ultimately, it's a battle of who can endure longer.

As soon as the war started, the first market to react was the oil market. I heard that international oil prices once shot up to nearly $120 per barrel. Naturally, gas prices at U.S. stations respond immediately. Here in LA, gas prices are already high, and with this international situation, they have skyrocketed even more.

In fact, it's not easy to live in LA without driving. It's not a city like Korea where you can solve everything with the subway. When gas prices go up, it feels like the cost of living rises immediately.

These days, I keep hearing about the Strait of Hormuz in the news. A significant portion of the world's oil supply passes through this narrow strait. When tensions rise here, oil prices shoot up. In reality, missile and drone attacks in the Middle East have been reducing shipping operations.

From Iran's perspective, many analyses suggest that directly defeating the U.S. is not easy. However, they can exert pressure by causing pain to the global economy. Disrupting oil supply affects the entire world. Ultimately, this is why the war is described as a question of "who can endure the pain longer."

Trump seems to be aware of this economic shock, suggesting that the war won't last long in an attempt to stabilize the market.

In fact, after that statement, oil prices reportedly dropped significantly from $110 to around $85.

However, realistically, it doesn't seem like the war will end anytime soon. The U.S. continues to apply pressure, and Iran is also showing no signs of backing down. Both sides are claiming, "We are in a favorable position," so it doesn't seem like an easy resolution is on the horizon.

Seeing all this news, I looked at the gas prices in LA again and felt even more frustrated.

It was a moment of confusion as to why I have to pay over $5 for gas when the war is happening in the Middle East.

In the past, we thought it was expensive when it went over $4, but now seeing prices above $5 makes me wonder why we have to suffer.

Usually, I would fill up for around $40, but now I'm close to $50, which feels like my wallet is being drained.

The problem doesn't end there. When oil prices rise, truck transportation costs also go up, and the prices of goods increase as well.

Airlines are also raising ticket prices due to the increased fuel costs.

Ultimately, the wars and international situations in the Middle East push up the living costs for everyday Americans.

These international political issues directly affect our daily lives, so I can only hope that the situation calms down soon.

It feels like the saying, "When whales fight, the shrimp's back is broken," is quite relevant right now.