President Donald Trump said on Monday, October 5, 2026, that recent increases in gasoline prices are caused by the destruction of Russian refineries and the closure of facilities in Democratic-led states. In a post on Truth Social, the president stated that gasoline costs are no longer driven by activity in the Strait of Hormuz, as he claimed record numbers of oil barrels are currently being produced. Trump instead attributed the market pressure to Ukraine's military actions against Russian infrastructure and domestic policies in states like California.
The statements come as the United States continues military operations against Iran, a conflict the source says the president previously cited as a factor in energy costs. During a September rally in North Carolina, Trump told supporters that higher gas prices were "a very inexpensive price to pay" for U.S. efforts to suppress Iran's nuclear capabilities. He stated at the time that higher energy costs would be acceptable in exchange for a "more peaceful Middle East."
Data from AAA indicates that American drivers are currently facing higher monthly fuel costs compared to last year. Users of unleaded gasoline are paying an average of $67 more per month than they were one year ago, while diesel fuel users are paying at least $139 more per month. The U.S. government previously banned all imports of Russian oil and gas products in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. Prior to that ban, Russian products accounted for approximately 8% of U.S. petroleum imports.
The increase in fuel costs affects American motorists and transport companies less than a month before the midterm elections. For an average household using unleaded gasoline, the reported price hike represents an additional $67 in monthly expenditures. Those operating diesel vehicles, including independent truckers, face an increase of at least $139 per month.
The source reports that while the president cited refinery closures in Democratic-led states like California, the majority of U.S. refining infrastructure is currently located in states such as Texas and Louisiana.
The impact of these prices will be tested at the polls during the upcoming midterm elections in November 2026. Voters will decide whether to support the current administration's stance that higher energy costs are a necessary trade-off for Middle Eastern security objectives. No specific date has been set for a change in the U.S. ban on Russian oil, and military activity in the Middle East continues. Analysts will be monitoring whether refinery capacity fluctuates in response to the president's claims or shifting federal mandates.