Rising gas prices and inflation are placing increasing financial strain on Massachusetts households, especially those with lower and middle incomes, as recent geopolitical tensions disrupt global energy supplies. The U.S. Labor Department reported on Friday that consumer prices increased by 3.3 percent in March compared to a year earlier, a notable rise from 2.4 percent in February. On a monthly basis, prices climbed 0.9 percent from February to March, marking the largest single-month increase in nearly four years.

This inflation surge follows escalations in conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, with Iran subsequently restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit point. The disruptions have sharply pushed up gasoline costs, amplifying the burden on household budgets already squeezed by ongoing inflation.

Michael Gray, a 76-year-old semi-retired journalist living in Westport, described how the jump in fuel prices has forced him to reduce unnecessary travel. Despite the cuts, some trips remain essential, including frequent drives to manage his diabetes. Gray detailed paying $60 to fill his tank recently, compared to $44 before prices spiked. He said these increases have curtailed his ability to visit family or engage in leisure activities, such as visiting museums in Boston.

“I’m drowning financially,” Gray said, describing his precarious situation. “Everything that comes in goes out that month. I feel like I’m just able to stay above water, but someone could push me under at any time.”

Tashiani Brito, a 43-year-old preschool teacher from Chelsea, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the challenge of juggling basic expenses amid rising costs. “I feel like I’m working just to buy food and pay for gas to get here for expensive food,” she said. As a mother of a toddler, Brito noted the emotional toll of not being able to provide certain things for her daughter, along with the strain the financial stress places on her relationships.

Outside a Trader Joe’s on Boylston Street in Boston, small-business owners are also feeling the impact of higher prices. Hauyin Kellogg, who operates a flower delivery business on the side, reported a decline in orders over the past two weeks. “Flowers are a luxury, so people are not spending,” she said.

Community advocates warn that these pressures are undermining economic stability for many families. Sharon Scott-Chandler, president and CEO of Action for Boston Community Development, said that ongoing inflation and rising costs prevent households from saving, often forcing them into debt or risking loss of housing. “People are really juggling to stay alive and stay afloat,” she said.

As inflation continues to reflect global energy market volatility, Massachusetts residents confront tight budgets and growing financial uncertainty, underscoring the widespread consequences of the geopolitical crisis on everyday life.