The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 55.5 this month from a final reading of 56.6 in February. The survey was conducted between February 17 and March 9, with about half completed after the start of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The conflict has increased oil prices, with gasoline prices rising more than 21% to $3.63 per gallon since the war began. The director of the survey, Joanne ​Hsu, stated that consumers across various levels of income, age, and political affiliation all reported declines in expectations for personal finances.