U.S. Gas Prices Hold Above $4 Through April as Trump Warns of High Costs Through Midterms
The average price for regular gasoline at U.S. service stations has remained above $4 per gallon for most of April, according to new data released by GasBuddy.
The figures mark a sharp rise from February, when national averages hovered just below $3 per gallon.
Drivers in several states are reporting pump prices well above the national average, with California and Hawaii still leading the country.
Addressing the surge on Friday, President Trump said oil and gasoline prices may remain elevated through November’s midterm elections.
The comment was a rare acknowledgement of the potential political fallout from his administration’s decision to launch strikes against Iran six weeks ago.
The attack on Iran in late February triggered immediate volatility in global crude markets, with Brent crude spiking amid fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy analysts say the geopolitical risk premium has kept U.S. pump prices high even as domestic production remains steady.
White House officials have pointed to ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, but have not outlined specific measures to bring down fuel costs ahead of the November vote.
GasBuddy analysts note that seasonal demand typically pushes prices higher in spring and summer, compounding the impact of crude market instability.
