Trump attributes gas price surge to Ukraine refinery attacks and Democratic‑state refinery closures
President Trump said the recent rise in gasoline and diesel prices stems from Ukraine’s bombing of Russian oil refineries and the shutdown of refineries in states led by Democrats, rather than disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. AAA reported average unleaded gasoline above $4.36 per gallon and diesel at $6.32 per gallon, up from about $2.99 per gallon in early February. Ship‑tracking data shows oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in September was roughly back to pre‑conflict levels, and European oil reserves are slated to help lower prices. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Trump plans to make an announcement on the issue during a trip to Nebraska.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning outlets covered this 88m later
- Right-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
- Coverage peaked at 7 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The explanation offered by the president could shape public opinion and policy responses to the higher fuel costs affecting everyday Americans.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Germany pushes for deeper Japan partnership to cut chip reliance on China
- Sep 15 German firms have moved to partner with Japanese companies on chip components.
- Sep 21 EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič scheduled a visit to China to discuss the export curbing request.
- Sep 24 Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government has studied the possibility of a US-led military move against Canada, calling it an extreme tail risk, while noting frequent talks with President Donald Trump amid a worsening trade dispute.
- Sep 27 The United States imposed 50 % duties on $28 billion of Canadian imports.
- Oct 5 President Trump said Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries and energy actions in Democratic-led states are driving up fuel costs.
- Oct 5 France and Germany have formally pushed for fast‑acting EU trade tools to counter market distortions.
- Oct 6 Trump shifted focus from the Iran conflict to Ukraine attacks and Democratic‑state refinery closures as the explanation for higher gas prices.
- Oct 7 EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic is set to travel to Beijing for talks on trade frictions.
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