How US oil firms profit $130bn from Iran war as household bills surge

US oil and gas companies made more than $130bn in profits from April to September 2026 during the war on Iran, according to a conservative New York Times estimate covering 51 firms. In the same period in 2025, their combined profits were below $47bn. Meanwhile, Americans have spent an additional $150bn on petrol and diesel since the war began on February 28—more than $1,150 per household—according to Brown University. Analyst Naser al-Tamimi said producers benefit from higher oil prices while refiners gain exceptional margins as damage and disruptions tighten fuel supplies.