Trump Attributes High Gas Prices to Ukraine and State Policies

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Ukraine’s actions against Russian oil refineries and the energy policies of certain states are responsible for high gas prices, rather than the ongoing conflict with Iran. He made these remarks on Truth Social, claiming, "What’s driving up Gasoline is no longer the Strait of Hormuz, because Record Numbers of Barrels are coming out now on an almost daily basis, but the word, ‘Refineries,’ where Russia’s are being blown up by Ukraine, and where ours are being closed up, in Blue States, like California, by the Dumocrats." As of Monday, the average cost of a gallon of unleaded fuel was over $4.36, down from a summer high of $4.47, but still more than a dollar higher than the previous year's average. Diesel prices were reported at $6.32 per gallon. Trump and his aides have focused on gas prices as Iran continues to resist U.S. military and economic efforts. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins mentioned that Trump would make an announcement regarding gas prices during a trip to Nebraska on Monday evening. White House officials did not provide specifics on the announcement, but reports suggest he plans to direct the Treasury Department to review certain taxes on diesel and increase the availability of tax-exempt fuels for agriculture and transportation.