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Richmonders are likely to feel the impact of President Trump's war with Iran in their wallets. 

Why it matters: The conflict is already pushing up energy prices, and there will likely also be a ripple impact on industries connected to them.  

Driving the news: Oil prices, then gas prices, spiked following the U.S. and Israel's strikes on Iran. 

Richmond's average gas price hit $3.25 a gallon Friday, rising by 7 cents overnight and 38 cents over the previous week, according to a review of gas prices from AAA.

The national average for gas also jumped sharply last week, hitting $3.32 a gallon by Friday, per AAA. 

 Last week also saw the biggest single-day spike in gas prices since March 4, 2022, according to GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan.

Here's what else is likely to get more expensive:

European jet fuel prices surged to multiyear highs last week. That means flights out of Richmond (or anywhere) could become more expensive. 

Some airlines hedge fuel costs, which can soften the blow, but prolonged price spikes often show up in fares.

Products that rely on oil — namely, plastics — are likely to get more expensive as well. 

"Plastic is based around oil or natural gas, heating, air-conditioning, cooking, all that stuff... gets more expensive when there's a shortage or when supplies are constrained," Middle East specialist Jim Krane told Time.

Traffic has ground to a halt through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway on Iran's southern coast that's a key route for commodities like aluminum, sugar and for 33% of the world's fertilizers.

Diverted ships will likely have to reroute, causing major delays and likely price increases. 

Blocked access to the strait will likely also impact the price of other products that pass through there, like clothing, cookware and medical equipment.

And oil and gas prices are expected to keep going up

The national average gas price could reach a high of $3.50 a gallon in the coming weeks, Tom Kloza, a longtime oil analyst now working for Gulf Oil, told Axios.

The bottom line: The ripple effects of the attacks on Iran are still unfolding.

How Iran strikes could hit Richmond wallets

Gas in Richmond jumped 46 cents in a week as oil surged after U.S. strikes on Iran.

Illustration of a money meter with the needle hovering around full. 

Richmonders are likely to feel the impact of President Trump&#x27;s war with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/trump-address-iran-war-length" data-vars-content-id="1a9101df-3de9-4418-9da7-4663b1c7c5aa" data-vars-headline="How Iran strikes could hit Richmond wallets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/trump-address-iran-war-length" target="_self">Iran</a> in their wallets. Why it matters: The conflict is already pushing up energy prices, and there will likely also be a ripple impact on industries connected to them.

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Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

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Virginia Passenger Rail Authority's yearslong Long Bridge Project, which is expected to speed up train travel between Richmond and D.C., is making commuting a nightmare for some regular riders.

Why it matters: Construction is expected to last four years — but some relief is on the way.

State of play: Work began in mid-January on the Long Bridge Project, which is named for the existing train bridge that connects Arlington and D.C. and serves millions of Virginia rail commuters. 

The project will double the number of tracks across the Potomac, separate passenger and freight lines and "relieve one of the biggest rail bottlenecks on the East Coast," per VPRA.

And relief is desperately needed. Around 2 million Amtrak passengers and 3 million Virginia Railway Express commuters use Long Bridge annually, pushing it to 98% capacity during peak hours.

Zoom in: In the meantime, construction has paused some service across the state, including two crucial morning routes out of the Staples Mill station that put riders in D.C. by 9am and 10am. 

That leaves regular Richmond to D.C. rail commuters with 5:58am as the sole weekday morning route.

Those trains have gotten crowded and in some cases are standing-room-only, per a review of comments on Virginia Railway Express social media posts. "Standing Room only is Unacceptable and NOT SAFE," reads one. "For the love of god, add more cars," says another.  

Yes, but: VPRA and Amtrak just announced express bus service between Richmond and D.C., which starts Saturday and is meant to relieve overcrowding on the trains.

The buses will leave from Staples Mill and Main Street stations and provide nonstop service to Union Station for less than a train ticket, Karina Romero with VPRA tells Axios.

Reservations can be made at Amtrak.com/Virginia. 

Zoom out: Long Bridge is a two-track CSXT-owned bridge over the Potomac River, connecting Arlington and D.C.

When the project is done, there will be a second two-track rail bridge next to Long Bridge, plus two new pedestrian and bicycle bridges.

What's next: The Long Bridge Project is expected to be completed in 2030.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (not Amtrak) is leading the Long Bridge Project and to clarify that VPRA and Amtrak will launch the express bus service.

Long Bridge project squeezes Richmond rail commuters

Morning train cuts have left some Richmond commuters standing all the way to D.C. — but relief is here.

Illustration of an angry emoji on a railroad crossing sign.

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority&#x27;s yearslong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Long Bridge Project" data-vars-click-url="https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/projects/longbridgeproject/" data-vars-content-id="55b05f76-79e1-4b84-9a35-f3dde5a880aa" data-vars-headline="Long Bridge project squeezes Richmond rail commuters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/projects/longbridgeproject/" target="_blank">Long Bridge Project</a>, which is expected to speed up train travel between Richmond and D.C., is making commuting a nightmare for some regular riders.Why it matters: Construction is expected to last four years — but some relief is on the way.

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience is back and running through Sunday. 

Why it matters: The event is celebrating 10 years of highlighting Richmond's diverse and thriving Black culinary scene. 

State of play: What began a decade ago as a restaurant week featuring 20 Black-owned Richmond restaurants has grown into a week-long celebration of local Black food culture inclusive of all the players in the food scene. 

Now, RBRE spotlights and encourages local support of the dozens of Black-owned culinary concepts, including caterers, food trucks and mobile carts and restaurants.

What they're saying: "It's both a joy and a responsibility to help expand the visibility and sustainability of this hospitality community," RBRE co-founder Shemicia "Mimi" Bowen tells Axios.

"We thank the thousands of Richmonders and neighbors who continue to believe in what we're building," she added.

Zoom in: The concept of the event is simple: Support participating Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and caterers by dining out at them all week. 

Restaurant participants this year include Croaker's Spot, M & F Jamaican Restaurant & Bar and Southern Kitchen — plus newbies like The Benedict on Cary, Bolo's Eatery and Trevor's Grill and Tavern.

You can also support RBRE by attending one of their events: Friday's Black Love + Basketball at Bolo ($12.51) or Sunday's Driven by HER group ride and lunch ($140.56).

The bottom line: Richmond's Black food scene is incredible year-round, but this is the one week a year when locals have an open invitation to be intentional about their support for them.   

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience turns 10

Dozens of Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and caterers join this weeklong celebration.

Two women, one in an orange blazer with short hair and the other in a gray pinstripe blazer with long curled hair, stand on a balcony overlooking a cityscape with tall buildings and a river.

Kelli Lemon and Shemicia "Mimi" Bowen, co-founders of RBRE. Image: Courtesy of  Courtney Jones/ Jones Media Group via Richmond Black Restaurant Experience

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience is back and running through Sunday. Why it matters: The event is celebrating 10 years of highlighting Richmond&#x27;s diverse and thriving Black culinary scene.

Food and Drink

Culture

If you haven't peeped the forecast yet, you're in for a treat: High temperatures are expected to hover near 80 degrees all weekend and through much of next week. 

Why it matters: We survived the longest, harshest winter in recent memory. Or at least since last winter, which was also the worst. 

State of play: In Richmond, warm weather means spring, regardless of what the calendar says. 

And after our long, terrible winter stuck indoors, it's time to get outside and enjoy the city — especially in this short pre-mosquitos and pollen window. 

Sure, we might lose an hour this weekend due to daylight saving time, but we're gaining more than 30 degrees compared to the start of the week. And that's a tradeoff we'll take any day. 

Here's a guide to some ways to make the most of this glorious weather weekend in Richmond. 

The park's multimillion-dollar improvement project won't finish until the end of the month, but there's still plenty to enjoy, like the farm animals, bison, nature center or just picnicking on the grounds. 

"Some of the flowering trees and wildflowers are already coming into bloom, and the wild birds are very active, according to a local birding club," Maymont spokesperson Melissa Abernathy tells Axios. 

Whether you want to hike near it, kayak on it, watch your dog splash through it or just sit next to it, you can and should.

Some great spots include: 42nd and 22nd Streets, Pony Pasture and Huguenot Flatwater.

Kingfish Boat Rentals in Eastern Henrico (the one by the Lily Pad) is taking online bookings for the weekend, per its website. 

You can rent a pontoon boat starting at around $325 for two hours or a skiff for around $300.

Brown's Island may be closed for renovations, but Belle Isle and its trails and river rocks are wide open (as is T. Pott). 

🌆 Take in the warm air from rooftop bars

New York Deli, Juan's Rooftop & Cantina and Starr Hill will be open this weekend, per their Instas. Harry's Rooftop opens next weekend. 

Quirk and Solaire won't open until April and The Graduate will announce its spring schedule soon. 

Don't fret about the lack of rooftops, though. Richmond restaurants and breweries have you covered — or in this case, not — with a full contingency of open garage doors and patios. 

We love Jardin, Brambly Park, Vasen Forest Hill, Lolita's and Blue Atlas.

Go deeper: What to do in Richmond this half-marathon weekend

What to do in Richmond this half-marathon weekend

Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond

After a brutal winter, near-80 temps mean prime time for Maymont, the river and patios.

Five people kayaking in red kayaks on a calm river with a city skyline and bridges at sunset under a partly cloudy sky.

This could be you this weekend. Photo: Courtesy of Richmond Region Tourism

If you haven&#x27;t peeped the forecast yet, you&#x27;re in for a treat: High temperatures are expected to hover near 80 degrees all weekend and through much of next week. Why it matters: We survived the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/28/richmond-snow-forecast-repeat-winter-storm-weekend" data-vars-content-id="d02bc16f-e53e-424c-ba05-9f75303f2625" data-vars-headline="Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/28/richmond-snow-forecast-repeat-winter-storm-weekend" target="_self">longest</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harshest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/27/richmond-snow-ice-black-ice-street-conditions-vdot-henrico" data-vars-content-id="d02bc16f-e53e-424c-ba05-9f75303f2625" data-vars-headline="Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/27/richmond-snow-ice-black-ice-street-conditions-vdot-henrico" target="_self">harshest</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/20/richmond-winter-storm-snowfall-forecast-snow-accumulation" data-vars-content-id="d02bc16f-e53e-424c-ba05-9f75303f2625" data-vars-headline="Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/20/richmond-winter-storm-snowfall-forecast-snow-accumulation" target="_self">winter</a> in recent memory. Or at least since last winter, which was also the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worst" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" data-vars-content-id="d02bc16f-e53e-424c-ba05-9f75303f2625" data-vars-headline="Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/01/13/richmond-water-crisis-timeline" target="_self">worst</a>.

Things to Do

CarMax Park will have a playground and family-friendly area when it opens next month. 

Why it matters: The Richmond Flying Squirrels are going all out to try to make the city-owned and funded stadium a destination for locals beyond baseball. 

State of play: The new family-focused amenities are sponsored by Bon Secours, the Flying Squirrels' "official healthcare partner," the team announced this week. 

They're the latest upgrades from The Diamond locals can expect from CarMax Park, which also includes enhanced food and drink offerings (like specialty burgers and hot chicken), premium suites and a beer garden.  

They're also part of the team's goal to make the stadium a "multi-purpose event space" that hosts concerts, boxing and wrestling matches, festivals and weddings. 

Empty baseball field with green artificial turf, concrete seating area, blue stadium seats, and a red and black building under cloudy sky.

The family-friendly seating area. Image: Courtesy of The Richmond Flying Squirrels 

Zoom in: The family-friendly amenities include: 

🛝 Bon Secours Base Camp, a playground with a slide for kids 5-12, smaller play structures for younger children and equipment designed to be "accessible to children of all abilities," per a news release. 

🧺 The Lawn, a terraced turf seating area near the playground that's designed and priced for families. Lawn tickets are $10. 

🤱🏻 The Bon Secours Nursing Nest, a private lactation suite.

Blue playground slide resembling a baseball bat and glove structure on artificial grass with fence and stadium lights in the background on a clear day.

The slide for the little kids. Image: Courtesy of The Richmond Flying Squirrels 

What's next: CarMax Park opens on April 7.

CarMax Park adds playground, family zone for Richmond

Bon Secours-backed play areas, $10 lawn seats and a nursing suite debut April 7 at CarMax Park.

Blue and green playground slide structure with baseball-themed decorations and a spiral metal tube slide, set against a clear blue sky and green grass in the foreground.

The new slide in the Bon Secours Base Camp & Lawn. Image: Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CarMax Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/27/carmax-park-flying-squirrels-funding-fight" data-vars-content-id="e76a33aa-25df-4bcd-93f7-fd75b3976813" data-vars-headline="CarMax Park adds playground, family zone for Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/27/carmax-park-flying-squirrels-funding-fight" target="_self">CarMax Park</a> will have a playground and family-friendly area when it opens next month. Why it matters: The Richmond Flying Squirrels are going all out to try to make the city-owned and funded stadium a destination for locals beyond baseball.

Karri Peifer

Featured stories

How Iran strikes could hit Richmond wallets

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience turns 10

Near-80 temps bring spring vibes to Richmond

CarMax Park adds playground, family zone for Richmond

Long Bridge project squeezes Richmond rail commuters