Exclusive: Trump adviser ties high gas prices to refining
The affordability of gasoline remains "the top issue that the president looks at," Trump energy adviser Jarrod Agen said at an Axios House event Tuesday. Why it matters: The Trump administration is championing energy savings from its deregulatory push as overseas conflicts, including the Iran war, rattle oil markets, driving up fuel costs and threatening an expensive winter for millions of…
Energy adviser to President Trump, Jarrod Agen, told reporters at an Axios House event on Tuesday that the affordability of gasoline is the president's top priority. The administration is promoting energy savings from its deregulatory efforts, but high gas prices are threatening households as oil markets are influenced by conflicts, such as the Iran war.
The current national average gas price is around $4.48, a significant increase from $3.18 a year ago, according to AAA. When asked if the president bears responsibility for the higher prices, Agen stated that the president's long-term goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. He emphasized that the long term is worth it to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Agen also attributed the price pain to strained refining capacity, noting that while crude oil flow is good, domestic and global refining capacity issues need to be addressed. He hinted at potential relief through the Defense Production Act and infrastructure projects. The administration's affordability challenges are looming as Republicans seek to retain control of Congress, with the war in Iran estimated to have cost U.S. consumers over $100 billion in higher energy prices.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
