Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) criticized President Donald Trump as U.S. gas prices hit a record high over the Labor Day holiday weekend amid ongoing disruptions tied to the Iran war.
Khanna Calls Out Trump Over Record Gas Prices
On Monday, Khanna wrote on X that the national average gasoline price had reached $4.14 per gallon heading into the holiday weekend, surpassing the previous Labor Day record of $3.82 set in 2012.
“There has never been a Labor Day where gas has cost Americans more,” he said.
He added, “The average price at the pump going into this weekend was $4.14. The last Labor Day weekend record high was $3.82. Is this what winning looks like?”
Khanna also called for an end to the conflict, saying, “End this war so the economy can begin to recover.”
According to AAA, the national average reached $4.14 heading into Labor Day, with crude oil prices in the $90-per-barrel range as volatility around the Strait of Hormuz continued.
Oil Prices, Gas Costs Draw Criticism
Obsidian Risk Advisors Managing Principal Brett Erickson said Trump had lost influence over oil markets as tensions with Iran pushed oil toward $100 a barrel.
He said, “Diesel is hitting all time highs. Gas is hitting Labor Day highs.”
Last week, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said gasoline prices were “more likely to go down than go up,” citing futures prices that were more than 30 cents per gallon below current levels.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also blamed the Iran war for higher fuel costs, saying it was “wreaking havoc on the economy.”
He cited a $4.15-per-gallon national average over Labor Day weekend and called for the war to end, saying, “We must end this war NOW.”
Gas Prices Could Fall Below $4
Last month, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said the U.S. national average gas price could fall below $4 per gallon by Labor Day as global oil supply remained uncertain amid the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict.
De Haan said WTI crude had fallen below $80 a barrel and some states were switching to winter gasoline earlier than usual.
He said gas prices could fall below $4 but warned they “may still be the most expensive ever” for that time of year.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
