President Donald Trump has run out of options to lower gasoline and diesel prices before Americans vote on November 3, as Republicans face a high likelihood of losing control of Congress.
With less than two weeks to go, fuel prices remain significantly higher than a year ago, and energy analysts overwhelmingly agree that the administration’s most recent interventions will do little to improve the situation, at least before election day.
Gas Prices on May 9 outside of Orlando, Florida. Image Credit: Harry J. Kazianis for National Security Journal.
A Thursday, October 22, Guardian investigation describes how American voters remain frustrated with high fuel costs even as the president announces a series of new deals and incentives to provide relief.
The report cites energy analysts who argue the measures are “too little, too late” to overcome supply shortages caused in large part by the Iran war and by continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
The warnings come as oil prices climb to a five-month high amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially making the situation even worse for Republicans.
Gas Prices Keep Going Up
The national average price of gasoline stood at about $4.27 per gallon on October 22, more than $1.25 higher than a year earlier.
Diesel prices are also high, at $6.30 per gallon, representing an increase of almost 75%.
Those figures are extremely troubling for Republicans because fuel prices affect far more than drivers; they also affect the cost of transporting food and other goods.
The Guardian interviewed several American motorists about their experiences, and respondents said they had cut back on everyday expenses to cover rising fuel prices.
Oil Tanker. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
One was 41-year-old Ohio resident Sharie Smith, who told the newspaper that filling her Chevrolet Malibu now costs between $50 and $60, up from $30 to $40 previously.
Smith also said that she intends to support Democrats in November.
A POLITICO poll published on October 10 also found that just 29% of respondents would be more likely to support Republicans if gasoline prices fell by $1 per gallon.
The survey suggests that even a substantial last-minute price reduction, which is still extremely unlikely given conditions in the Middle East and persistent supply trouble, would likely not save Republicans from defeat.
Trump’s Diesel Plan Faces Problem
The White House has spent months trying to mitigate the problem, announcing a series of measures and initiatives to reduce fuel costs.
Among those efforts is a temporary easing of restrictions on the sale of red-dyed diesel, used in agriculture.
President Trump has also permitted the import of Russian fuel and announced $8 billion in assistance to American farmers.
On October 5, the president signed an executive order permitting the commercial use of diesel normally reserved for off-road and agricultural equipment, with the administration saying that the measure could save drivers as much as $60 on a purchase of 250 gallons through relief from federal fuel taxes.
However, a Reuters investigation published on October 22 found that farmers are reluctant to use the fuel because of various state restrictions remain in place despite the president’s order.
In Kansas, for example, unauthorized use of red diesel on public roads can still result in penalties of up to $10,000.
Other motorists, meanwhile, report difficulty finding suppliers of the fuel.
The Guardian also quoted University of Houston energy fellow Ed Hirs, who was asked about the impact of Trump’s recent interventions. “Zero. No elaboration needed,” Hirs said.
The administration nevertheless insists the measures will help reduce operating costs for trucking firms and farmers.
Trump Blames Iran, Vance Defends Russia Deal
Writing on Truth Social on Thursday, President Trump pointed the finger at Iran for deliberately driving up the price of oil ahead of the midterm elections, describing efforts to spook the global market and analysts.
“Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of Oil before the U.S. Midterm Election.
They are even making up fake hits, mines, and everything else, because more Oil is coming through the Hormuz Strait now than it did even before the beginning of the Conflict,” Trump said.
“They continue to kill protestors, and anyone else that happens to be in their way. It is truly an Evil Regime, and I can only hope the American Public, and the world understand how EVIL they are!” he continued, before doubling down on his insistence that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.
Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, defended President Trump’s diesel deal with Russia during an interview with Raymond Arroyo.
“We saw an opportunity to lower diesel prices. One of the criticisms that you often hear about de-sanctioning Russia is that somehow it’s going to – well, now the Russians are going to be able to sell their diesel fuel,” he said. “Well, that is an absurd argument in my view because, Raymond, they’ve always been able to sell their diesel fuel. They’re just selling it at a massive discount to the People’s Republic of China.”
With only weeks to go, even the Trump administration’s best efforts are unlikely to shift fuel prices enough for Republicans to capitalize and fend off a total defeat to the Democrats.
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, and he produces and edits analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
