Trump Dealing With Worsening Gas Problems
As Americans prepare for Memorial Day travel and the start of the busy summer driving season, families across the country are once again getting hit hard at the gas pump — and the political fallout could become a major issue for President Donald Trump and Republicans heading into November’s critical midterm elections.
Energy experts are now warning that unless tensions in the Middle East calm down soon, gasoline prices could climb even higher in the weeks ahead, potentially breaking records and putting enormous pressure on household budgets nationwide.
According to new data from GasBuddy, the national average price for gasoline surged to $4.52 per gallon Tuesday evening, continuing a sharp upward trend that began earlier this spring. Prices first crossed the $4 mark in late March, reaching levels Americans have not seen since the global energy chaos that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
For drivers in California, the pain is even worse. Average gasoline prices there have skyrocketed to an astonishing $6.14 per gallon — once again raising questions about aggressive energy policies, environmental regulations, and America’s long-term energy independence.
The spike in prices is being fueled by growing fears over instability in the Middle East, especially near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. Roughly one-fifth of the global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway each day.
Since the conflict involving Iran escalated earlier this year, global oil markets have been thrown into turmoil. Brent crude oil prices have jumped nearly 60 percent as traders fear prolonged supply disruptions could send energy costs spiraling even further.
GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said the combination of geopolitical uncertainty and refinery disruptions inside the United States is creating a dangerous situation for consumers.
“The continuing problems around the Strait of Hormuz are steadily pushing oil and gasoline prices higher,” De Haan explained. “At the same time, refinery issues here at home are making the situation even worse.”
One major disruption occurred last week at BP’s massive refinery in Whiting, Indiana, after a temporary power outage forced a key processing unit offline. Although the company says operations have resumed, the shutdown added fresh pressure to already strained fuel supplies.
De Haan warned that if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, Americans could face painfully high fuel prices throughout the entire summer.
“If the Strait of Hormuz does not fully reopen, gas prices could easily remain above $4.50 a gallon for most of the summer driving season,” he said.
Meanwhile, analysts at Morgan Stanley are sounding the alarm about rapidly shrinking U.S. gasoline inventories. The investment giant warned that fuel stockpiles are falling faster than normal and could drop below 200 million barrels by late August — levels historically associated with severe summer shortages and price spikes.
Government data from the Energy Information Administration showed U.S. gasoline inventories plunged by more than 6 million barrels last week alone. Current supply levels now sit at just 222.3 million barrels, the lowest point since December and well below the five-year seasonal average.
At the same time, Americans continue hitting the road despite soaring prices. Gasoline demand has remained surprisingly strong, rising roughly 1 percent compared to the same period last year.
Morgan Stanley analysts noted that while higher prices have not increased demand, they also have not slowed consumption enough to offset the tightening supply situation.
Gasoline futures traded near $3.64 per gallon Tuesday — hovering close to their highest levels since 2022 and signaling that additional increases at local gas stations may still be ahead.
For millions of retirees, middle-class workers, truckers, and families planning summer vacations, the latest surge in fuel prices is becoming more than just an inconvenience. It is a growing economic warning sign that could shape voter frustration in the months leading up to the midterm elections.
And for Republicans hoping to maintain momentum under President Trump, rising energy prices may quickly become one of the biggest political battles of the summer.
