WASHINGTON — American consumers showed slightly improved confidence levels in March, even as fuel costs continue climbing due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, according to new data released Tuesday.
The Conference Board reported that consumer confidence climbed marginally to 91.8 in March, up from the previous month’s reading of 91 in February.
According to the organization, while increased expenses from tariffs and oil price spikes caused by Middle Eastern warfare didn’t impact the overall confidence measurement, other survey components revealed growing pessimism, particularly regarding inflation expectations.
Survey participants made significantly more references to petroleum costs, gasoline prices, and the Iranian conflict, while their expectations for inflation over the next 12 months jumped to heights not witnessed since August 2025, when tariff concerns reached their peak.
Nationwide gasoline prices surpassed $4 per gallon on Tuesday for the first time in two years, as the Middle Eastern war continues to drive fuel costs higher across the globe.
