Gas prices have risen more than a dollar and roughly 33% since the start of the Iran War, but Trump told reporters Thursday the prices are “not very high”
A CBS News poll found just 33% of Americans are willing to pay more for gas during the Iran War, and 66% consider it a war of choice
The U.S. Navy is reportedly blockading the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 20% of global oil is shipped, keeping prices volatile
Americans wanting quick relief from high gas prices, which have increased by more than a dollar and roughly 33% since the start of the Iran War, shouldn’t look to President Donald Trump, who recently called gas prices “not very high.”
Trump’s comments came while speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, according to Mediaite. Reporters asking about high gas prices were met with the president saying “they’re not very high.”
A recent CBS News poll found just 33% of Americans are willing to pay more for gas during the Iran War and that 68% of Americans think the Trump administration’s explanation for military action has not been clearly explained. About 66% of Americans believe the war is a “war of choice,” meaning it was unnecessary.
The president then said high gas prices were worth it for Iran to “get rid of a nuclear weapon” and “not have a nuclear weapon,” also saying Iran “agreed to [not have a nuclear weapon] very powerfully.”
Trump stated gas prices had fallen in the last “three to four days” on Thursday. According to AAA, gas prices have fallen seven cents nationally in the last week, though they are about 93 cents higher than this time last year and more than a dollar from prices in February.
Those prices have also been quite volatile given the uncertain and uneasy status of negotiations in the Middle East. Multiple ceasefires have been negotiated and announced, but continued fighting and restricted movement in the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran and through which up to 20% of global oil and fertilizer is shipped, continue to roil fuel costs on a worldwide scale.
Most recently, the U.S. Navy is reported to be blockading the Strait, according to PBS NewsHour.
The president’s statements align with comments he made earlier this week to Fox News, where he said the price of oil and gas “could be the same or maybe a little bit higher” by the fall, when midterm elections occur nationally, according to CNBC.
Nearly 60% of Americans told AAA in March they would change their habits or lifestyle if gas topped $4 per gallon, CNBC added.
By Joe O’Leary
