"Trump had promised to bring prices down, but ultimately failed to do so. Everything has only gone up", said Kelly Sharp, a bartender in Gloucester City, New Jersey, last weekend while waiting at a gas station.
Sharp had voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, partly because of his commitment to reduce living costs, including gas prices, a pledge made by the Republican candidate.
However, as fuel prices across the United States rose amidst Washington's offensive against Iran, Sharp expressed regret for her vote. Gas at the station where she was filling up in Gloucester City cost 3,15 USD per gallon (approximately 3,8 liters). According to GasBuddy, the average gas price in the US has climbed to over 3,46 USD per gallon. Last month, the average price was 2,89 USD per gallon.
This morning, Brent crude oil prices increased by 15,5% to 107,07 USD per barrel, while US WTI crude oil prices rose by 16,8% to 106,17 USD per barrel. These are the highest oil prices seen since the Ukraine conflict erupted in early 2022.
"I am angry about this and what he is doing. It is heartbreaking that children are being killed", Sharp stated, referring to the US and Israel's airstrike campaign in the Middle East.
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Americans refuel at a station in Mill Valley, California. Photo: AFP |
Americans refuel at a station in Mill Valley, California. Photo: AFP
High gas prices force Americans to spend more on transportation, which in turn drives up food and delivery costs, eroding profits for airlines and trucking companies.
At a gas station near Denver International Airport, ride-share driver Mario Pinzon, 47, was filling his Nissan Rogue with 30 USD worth of gas, priced at 3,25 USD per gallon.
"Last month, gas prices were affordable, but now they have increased due to the situation in the Middle East", Pinzon said, adding that gas prices could reduce his income by 20%. He drives 10 to 12 hours each day.
At the pump next to him, Benny Acosta filled his CFMoto 300 motorcycle with over 1,5 gallons of premium gas, priced at 3,79 USD per gallon. He owns a car but decided to use his motorcycle to save money while attending school.
Americans discuss rising gas prices at a gas station in Marietta, Georgia, on 7/3. Video: Reuters
President Trump stated on 8/3 that rising oil prices are "just a small price to pay" for peace. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright also reassured the public that the US would "strike hard in the coming days" to neutralize Iran's capacity to attack oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which would help lower gas prices.
Meanwhile, the Iranian military warned it would target oil facilities in the Middle East if its energy infrastructure continued to be attacked. "If you can withstand oil prices over 200 USD per barrel, then continue the game", declared Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran's Central Command.
Duc Trung (According to USA Today, Reuters, AP)
