National data contradicts Trump’s claims of low gas prices

At a recent Cabinet meeting, former President Donald Trump again touted dropping fuel prices, saying other areas charge $2 per gallon for gas. Analysts and fact-checkers are questioning his claims since the data he gave do not match the national averages revealed this week.

Trump said gas costs, which were $4 to $5 per gallon, have plummeted substantially. He said that some southern regions have seen gas prices drop below $2, while higher-tax states like California pay more but are lower than a year ago. He typically portrays gasoline prices as a success story in speeches and meetings.

Data shows a more mixed picture, say industry analysts. An energy analyst who tracks gas prices nationwide, Patrick DeHaan, said no U.S. stations reported prices under $2 this week. Even wholesale prices are over that figure, therefore gas costs are higher than Trump promised.

The AAA reports that the national average for regular gasoline is $3.18 a gallon. This is lower than last year’s $3.35 per gallon average, but much over Trump’s figures. Mississippi has the lowest average state price at $2.69 per gallon. California drivers pay $4.57 per gallon, due to state taxes and market conditions.

Before Labor Day, New Jersey gas prices dropped to their lowest in five years, providing some relief for drivers. AAA reported that the state average for normal gasoline has dropped to $3.05 per gallon, a considerable decline from previous summers.

Trump’s assertions of widespread $2 pricing are unsubstantiated by current data, even though Americans are seeing some respite at the pump compared to last year. Oil market swings, global supply concerns, and state-level tax regulations affect driver prices, analysts say. Fuel prices are again a hot topic in political and economic arguments as summer travel winds down.

Sources

AAA
GasBuddy
Bureau of Labor Statistics