The cost of gasoline has exceeded $4 per gallon in 28 states due to increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran, creating challenges for President Donald Trump prior to the midterm elections in 100 days. Research by AAA indicates that 60% of American drivers will struggle with gas prices at this level. This $4 threshold is significant as it affects consumer sentiments, presenting issues for the Trump administration as voters head to the polls on November 3.
Newsweek requested a comment from the White House on this matter.
Battleground State Gas Prices
A visual from Newsweek reveals that gas prices in 28 states have breached the $4 mark. Key midterm battleground states like Michigan are seeing prices at $4.23, Maine at $4.10, and New Hampshire at $4.06, with a national average of $4.11 according to AAA.
Michigan is currently an open seat due to the retirement of Democratic Senator Gary Peters, making it hotly contested. In Maine, the race heats up as Troy Jackson positions himself as the Democratic nominee in a crucial contest for his party. Meanwhile, the departure of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen leaves a critical Senate race open in New Hampshire, a state Trump narrowly lost in the 2024 election.
In states like Georgia and Ohio, the gas cost has not surpassed $4, with prices at $3.92 and $3.89, respectively. Georgia is a significant arena where Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff seeks reelection in a state Trump won in 2024, crucial for Senate control. Ohio is also under Democratic focus as a potential competitive GOP-held seat. As of Sunday, California reported the highest gas price at $5.64, while the lowest was in Indiana at $3.51 per gallon.
Reasons Behind High Gas Prices
The rise in gasoline prices links to U.S. and Israel launching airstrikes against Iran on February 28, aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and halting its nuclear weapon development. In response, Iran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas route, leading to significant disruptions.
This blockade caused energy market turbulence, with Brent crude, a global benchmark, surpassing $100 a barrel. Gasoline prices jumped from an average of $2.98 per gallon before the conflict, first crossing $4 on March 31, within a month of fighting. Prices hit a four-year peak of $4.56 in early May, then fell when hopeful negotiations between Iran and the U.S. suggested a resolution might reopen vital shipping routes.
Post-June 17, a memorandum between the countries saw prices dip, but resumed attacks in the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran caused a price increase once again. The threat of Houthi attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another essential oil route, adds further pressure on fuel costs.
Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson, expressed optimism, stating that as the U.S. diminishes Iran’s capacity to endanger commercial ships and disrupt energy flow through the Strait of Hormuz, ‘oil and gas prices will plummet back to pre-conflict levels.’