Ocasio-Cortez Warns of Higher Gas Prices Under Trump, Alleges ‘Price Gouging’
WASHINGTON – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has warned that gas prices would rise if former President Donald Trump wins re-election. She alleges that Trump would enable foreign energy producers to “price gouge”.
“The former president met with oil executives last week saying, hey, you give me $1 billion, and I’ll make sure that you get the policies that are favorable to raising gas prices and making sure that a lot of these companies continue to price gouge without proper oversight or regulation,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Her comments come amid ongoing concerns about high gas prices, with AAA reporting an over 50% increase since Biden’s inauguration. The national average for a gallon of gas is currently around $3.62, down from its peak of over $5 in June 2022. Despite this, inflation remains persistent, with prices climbing 3.5% year-over-year in March.
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments also come as Trump prepares to hold a rally near her district.
The White House recently announced the release of over 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve to help lower prices at the pump.
Gas Prices Remain a Concern for American Voters
A recent Fox News poll found that over 8 in 10 (84%) voters say gas prices are a problem for their family. That includes nearly half — 49% — who say they are a “major” problem. While that’s the same as last year (49% major problem), it’s down from 67% who said the same in 2022.
Those most likely to feel the pain at the pump are Republicans (92% a problem), Hispanic voters, rural voters, voters under age 30, women (88% each), and independents (85%). Democrats and voters ages 65 and over (76% each) are less likely to say gas prices are a problem.
Inflation has cooled from a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022, but has remained persistent, with prices climbing 3.5% year-over-year in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national average for a gallon of gas has also dropped from its June 2022 peak when it surpassed $5, but that’s been rising steadily since March, according to AAA.
The sticker shock at the pump should soften after the White House announced on Tuesday the release of over 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve.
“The Biden-Harris administration is laser-focused on lowering prices at the pump for American families, especially as drivers hit the road for summer driving season,′′ Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.
Oil will be pumped from storage facilities in New Jersey and Maine, releasing 100,000 barrels at a time. Officials say the staggered release will ensure competitive pricing and effective delivery to retailers ahead of the summer holiday season.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and the Trump campaign for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Megan Meyers and Timothy Nerozzi contributed to this report.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She is a native of Massachusetts and is based in Orlando, Florida. Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on Twitter: @s_rumpfwhitten.
