Gas prices in the United States have reached their highest level, and this could influence the results of the November midterm elections. Experts believe that rising prices could benefit the Democrats, while President Donald Trump has acknowledged that the likelihood of prices dropping before the election is low.
Rising Gas Prices
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.31 on Monday, reflecting a 36% increase compared to a year ago. Diesel prices also hit a new record of $6.23 per gallon, marking an increase of nearly 69%. This situation has put Republicans in a difficult position as they seek to win against Democrats who are aiming to control the House and Senate.
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Impact on Voters
According to polls, many voters are concerned about gas prices. Estimates indicate that nearly 40% of those surveyed are considering crossing party lines, including 49% of Republicans identifying as "MAGA" and 57% of non-MAGA Republicans. In another poll conducted in September, 98% of respondents reported that gas prices have increased over the past year, and 73% said the increase has been significant.
Economic analysts have also pointed to the effects of high gas prices on the consumer price index, which rose 3.4% compared to last year. While some economists view the price increases as a temporary shock, Kathy Bostjancic, chief economist at Nationwide, emphasized that Trump's ongoing conflicts with Iran have contributed to price instability, and this situation is likely to persist.
Republican Response
Republican Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, who is not currently running for reelection, stated that if anyone is not concerned about gas prices, they are actually ignoring the real problems facing people. He warned that the political consequences of this situation could be significant. An anonymous Republican representative working in a competitive district also expressed frustration, saying, "I wish the government had a plan."
Trump, in his recent statements, predicted that oil prices are likely to remain high until the midterm elections, adding that prices will drop after the elections. Recent estimates from Brown University indicate that the additional costs borne by American consumers since the start of the war against Iran have reached about $106 billion, averaging around $809 per household.
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Source: independent.co.uk
