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Pappas and Sununu Clash Over Gas Prices, Trump

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Rep. Chris Pappas and former Sen. John E. Sununu debated Wednesday night in Salem, New Hampshire, for Senate seat.
Pappas blamed President Donald Trump’s tariff measures and the Iran war for higher gas and diesel prices.
Sununu said the affordability crisis stems from longer-term economic factors, not President Donald Trump’s policies.
Pappas claimed President Donald Trump is $2 billion richer than when he entered office and urged investigations of other officials.

History

After OAPEC’s October 1973 oil embargo targeted Saudi supplies, President Richard Nixon faced soaring fuel costs; U.S. gasoline rose about 43 % from 38.5¢ in May 1973 to 55.1¢ a year later, and oil prices quadrupled to roughly $12 per barrel. The shock spurred the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act, shaping today’s tax-based debates in New Hampshire’s Senate race.

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After OAPEC’s October 1973 oil embargo targeted Saudi supplies, President Richard Nixon faced soaring fuel costs; U.S. gasoline rose about 43 % from 38.5¢ in May 1973 to 55.1¢ a year later, and oil prices quadrupled to roughly $12 per barrel. The shock spurred the 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act, shaping today’s tax-based debates in New Hampshire’s Senate race.

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