President Donald Trump and the GOP are facing increased pressure over rising gas prices, and energy experts say it isn't going to get any better soon.
Nationally, the average price of gas has climbed to around $4.45 per gallon, reflecting wider economic strain linked to rising oil costs. A year ago, the average was $3.16. The surge has been partly driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets and increased supply concerns.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), gas prices are expected to average $5 a gallon in some states in the coming weeks. Crude oil is forecast to average $130 a barrel next quarter and could balloon to $150 a barrel.
The only steps Trump has taken that were designed to limit the damage is easing some on Russia and Venezuela and using the U.S. oil stockpile.
But the energy crisis continues and since the start of the war in late February, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and driven the price of oil and gas up.
Six states, including California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii and Nevada, are now recording average gas prices above $5 per gallon and some over $6 per gallon, according to AAA.
Several other states Connecticut, Vermont, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maine as well as Washington, DC. are rapidly approaching the $5 mark, signaling the pressure at the pump could soon spread further.
States with the lowest average prices are located primarily in the South and Midwest, with Georgia currently the lowest at $3.859.
The political implications are already becoming clear. With the midterm elections approaching this November, rising fuel costs are seen as a potential liability for Trump, whose administration has frequently pointed to economic strength as a key achievement. Trump has claimed that once the Strait of Hormuz is open, gas prices will immediately drop. But Energy Secretary Chris Wright has indicated that a return to $3-per-gallon gas prices may not happen until 2027, a projection that could further dampen voter sentiment.
The continued strain on energy costs comes as the Federal Reserve considers whether persistent inflation and rising fuel prices will prevent any interest rate cuts this year. As inflation remains persistent and household costs continue to rise.