Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

US Gas Hits $4.23 /Gallon, 77% Blame Trump

4/30/2026

48 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Trump Blamed Surge

U.S. gas prices rose to $4.23 per gallon, highest since the Iran war began.
Brent crude climbed to $114.60 a barrel, about 25% above its mid-April low.
Strait of Hormuz traffic fell to 35 ships Apr 20-26, versus 78 the prior week.
Used EV sales hit 93,500 units in Q1 2026, a 12% rise over Q1 2025.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Apr 28 2026 found 77% of Americans blame President Donald Trump for the surge.

Summary

Americans Work Remotely

USA TODAY poll shows a 12% rise in Americans working from home because of higher gas prices.
Restaurant manager Jason Roberts in Canton says diesel fuel surcharges are squeezing food-service margins.
Single-mother Lacey Cooper of South Lebanon adds $10 to each gas fill-up.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN on April 19 he doesn’t know when prices will fall below $3 per gallon.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Arab oil embargo, led by OPEC and Saudi Arabia, forced the United States to confront soaring fuel costs; oil prices jumped from $3 to $12 per barrel—a four-fold rise—while gasoline prices rose about 43% in a year. Nixon’s administration responded with rationing and created the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a policy echoing today’s 2026 gasoline-price concerns.

1 of 3

Trump Blamed Surge

U.S. gas prices rose to $4.23 per gallon, highest since the Iran war began.
Brent crude climbed to $114.60 a barrel, about 25% above its mid-April low.
Strait of Hormuz traffic fell to 35 ships Apr 20-26, versus 78 the prior week.
Used EV sales hit 93,500 units in Q1 2026, a 12% rise over Q1 2025.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Apr 28 2026 found 77% of Americans blame President Donald Trump for the surge.

1 / 3