Behind the Pump: Geopolitics in Your Tank

Behind the Pump: Geopolitics in Your Tank

From Choosing Better by Enoch Hill and Tim Taylor

May 29, 2026 · 1h 8m · Season 3 · Episode 55

About this episode

Enoch and Tim explore the hidden costs of gasoline influenced by global geopolitics, using the Strait of Hormuz as a case study.

What are you really paying for when you fill up your tank? Enoch and Tim unpack the true cost of a gallon of gasoline, and it is far beyond crude oil, refining, and taxes. Using the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a real-time case study, they trace how a distant geopolitical chokepoint drove U.S. gas prices over 50% in just weeks, despite America’s “energy independence.” Along the way, they explore the hidden prices embedded in every gallon: U.S. Navy protection of shipping lanes, environmental damage, and the global “law of one price” that ties American consumers to events half a world away. They conclude with looking at what a prolonged Hormuz disruption would mean, why it could permanently reshape global energy routes, and explore how we can choose better in a world where energy security, economics, and geopolitics are inseparable. Recording Date: May 20, 2026 Credits: Drew Elliot (music)

People in this episode

Hosts: Enoch Hill, Tim Taylor

Topics covered

  • geopolitics
  • energy security
  • gas prices
  • global economics
  • environmental impact
  • shipping lanes

Keywords

  • gasoline prices
  • geopolitical impact
  • energy independence
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • U.S. Navy
  • shipping protection
  • environmental damage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Navy

Places: Strait of Hormuz, U.S., America

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