President Trump pressures retailers to lower gas prices nationwide
President Donald Trump urged gas retailers to lower prices and warned of the impact of falling oil prices and heightened volatility from tensions with Iran.
The White House launched 25 Freedom Fuel gas stations, all selling fuel for $3.47 per gallon.
The White House announced the initiative on July 7 when X posted a video of a customer thanking President Donald Trump for lowering gas prices. The gas stations are located in the greater Philadelphia area, the White House told USA TODAY in an email on Tuesday, July 7.
In the video, a customer claims the gas station saved him money. “I thought gasoline would be more expensive, but it’s not,” said an anonymous man. “Thank you Mr. Trump for saving me money.”
The move comes as Americans continue to worry about gas prices ahead of November’s midterm elections. However, Freedom Gas prices are only slightly lower than the national average.
The national average fuel price on Tuesday, July 7 was $3.79, according to AAA data.
USA TODAY has contacted the White House for additional information.
Why are gas prices so high?
Gasoline prices started rising in all 50 states early this year, with the national average nearing $5 in May. Fuel industry analyst Gasbuddy said significant spikes were observed in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois.
Gasoline prices have increased due to the war between the US and Iran and are determined by the cost of crude oil traded on global markets. At its peak, Brent crude soared more than 55% to nearly $120 per barrel.
The cause of the sharp rise was a transportation disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the International Energy Agency, nearly 34% of the world’s crude oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025. Gasoline prices began to fall after the United States and Iran reached a tentative agreement in June to end the war, effectively reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, pump costs are determined primarily by four factors: crude oil, refining costs, distribution and marketing, and federal and state taxes.
As of July 7, the average gas price in Hawaii, California and Washington was more than $5 a gallon. Meanwhile, Indiana, Oklahoma and Texas had the cheapest numbers, according to AAA data.
Freedom Fuel gas station locations can be found on the company’s website.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Please contact mdelrey@usatoday.com.
