Washington, Sept. 20 (SANA) Rising gasoline prices are putting additional pressure on US households ahead of November’s midterm elections, with voters across the political spectrum expressing concern about higher fuel costs as President Donald Trump defends the economic impact of the war with Iran.
The national average price for regular gasoline stood at about $4.48 a gallon on Sept. 20, compared with $4.10 a month earlier and $3.19 a year ago, according to AAA. The organization has linked recent increases to elevated crude prices and volatility around the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking in North Carolina on Wednesday, Trump acknowledged higher fuel prices but described them as an “inexpensive price to pay” for the conflict with Iran, which he has said is aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Voters feel pressure at the pump
Interviews conducted by The Associated Press in Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Virginia and North Carolina found frustration among Democratic, Republican and independent voters, although they differed over how rising prices would affect their choices in November.
Some voters who previously supported Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the economic impact while saying they still planned to vote Republican. Others said higher fuel costs had reinforced their intention to support Democratic candidates.
Republican strategist Chris Wilson told AP that gasoline prices can have particular political salience because motorists encounter them directly and frequently.
Poll shows affordability concerns
A Fox News poll cited by AP found 61% of registered voters considered gasoline prices a major problem for their households, up from 48% two years earlier. It also found 63% believed the Trump administration had made the economy worse, while views differed substantially by party affiliation.
Affordability and the broader economy remain prominent issues in the midterm campaign as early voting begins in some states. The effect of those concerns on individual races will depend on factors including candidates, turnout and local political conditions.
A/Dh
