Story perspectives

Gas Prices Hit $4.48 as Inflation Strains Voters

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 10:11 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Trump blames Iran

The American Automobile Association reported the national average gasoline price reached $4.48 per gallon on Sept. 20, 2026.
President Donald Trump blamed the rise on Iran war, said prices will drop after the conflict ends, and claimed gas was costlier under Biden.
Georgia’s regular gasoline averaged $4.09 per gallon on Sept. 21, up from $4.02 the prior week.
Marjorie Taylor Greene said she paid $5.99 per gallon for marina fuel, criticizing the administration.

Left

Working-Class Cost Crunch

The national average gasoline price hit $4.48 on September 20, 2026, per the American Automobile Association.
Surge is increasing strain for working-class Americans ahead of the November midterms, with polls showing voters view Democrats as better equipped to curb inflation.
Amazon driver Quinten Martinez said $4.48 forces him to choose between gas and groceries.
A Fox News poll found three times more voters say they are falling behind financially.

History

Historical Context

In October 1973 OAPEC’s embargo drove crude from $3 to nearly $12 a barrel—a 300% jump that raised U.S. gasoline to 55 ¢ per gallon by June 1974 and spurred Nixon’s energy response. AAA reported $4.48 per gallon in February 2026, drawing criticism from Donald Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, echoing the 1973 shock’s political effect.

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Trump blames Iran

The American Automobile Association reported the national average gasoline price reached $4.48 per gallon on Sept. 20, 2026.
President Donald Trump blamed the rise on Iran war, said prices will drop after the conflict ends, and claimed gas was costlier under Biden.
Georgia’s regular gasoline averaged $4.09 per gallon on Sept. 21, up from $4.02 the prior week.
Marjorie Taylor Greene said she paid $5.99 per gallon for marina fuel, criticizing the administration.

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