Burger enthusiasts face a tough summer as neighborhood cookouts could become pricier. Global unrest, particularly in the Middle East, is driving up energy prices. This increase is impacting the costs of both beef and propane—essential ingredients for summer barbecues. “The impact of ongoing challenges in the Middle East on energy prices impacts nearly every facet of the U.S. economy and beef-cattle are not immune,” says Glynn Tonsor, a professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. This turbulent backdrop is a warning for those planning get-togethers centered around grilling.
Energy prices play a crucial role in ranching. Ranchers depend on energy at nearly every stage, from powering tractors to hauling cattle. These rising costs eventually trickle down to consumers, as noted by Tonsor. At the pump, Americans are already feeling the squeeze. The national average for a gallon of gas is hovering around $4.09, an increase of approximately 93 cents in just a month, according to AAA. Diesel—vital for transporting livestock—has experienced an even steeper rise, now costing $5.61 per gallon, a significant jump of $2.03 from the past year.
The implications extend beyond just gas prices. Propane, essential for many backyard grills, is becoming more expensive as well. The Mont Belvieu hub, a benchmark for propane prices, reports a nearly 19% surge since late February. The tightening global energy markets are mostly driven by instability in key supply regions, particularly the Middle East.
Yet, the energy crisis isn’t the sole factor in rising beef prices. The supply of cattle is struggling to keep pace with demand, resulting from a number of challenges. Unlike oil or metals, which can see production ramp up quickly, cattle production is a lengthy process. The U.S. cattle herd is currently at its smallest in 75 years, a direct consequence of prolonged droughts, increasing expenses, and an aging ranching workforce. These issues have forced ranchers to limit their herds, tightening supply and driving prices higher.
As a result, beef prices are climbing. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that the average cost of beef in grocery stores rose from about $8.70 per pound in March 2025 to $10.08 by the following year, marking a 16% increase. This steady rise indicates that even if energy prices stabilize, beef costs will likely not decrease quickly.
For consumers, this means a summer of grilling may require a reassessment of budgets. As individuals determine whether to splurge on steak and burgers or opt for less expensive alternatives, the decisions they make will reflect broader economic pressures. Choices at the grocery store could lead to further fluctuations in pricing, shaped by forces well beyond the backyard grill. This barbecue season, it seems, will be tinged with the complexities of a global economy affected by conflict.
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