Experts urge factoring fuel costs as gas prices climb

Experts now tell prospective car buyers to include rising U.S. pump prices driven by Iran war-related supply concerns when calculating total ownership costs. They say higher per-gallon costs make fuel-efficient hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles more cost-effective for high-mileage drivers. President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Chris Wright have issued conflicting statements about whether prices will fall, complicating expectations about policy responses such as price caps. Advisers recommend buyers compare EPA fuel-economy figures and add projected annual fuel spending to loan or lease calculations before purchasing.