TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The national average for a gallon of gas rose to $4.22. In Florida the average is around $4. If you need diesel, it’s at an all-time high of $5.94 a gallon. President Donald Trump said it will take a few more months before gas prices fall.
“Outrageous,” said David Fiedorek while leaving a gas station in Tampa. Their regular gas was priced at $4.19.
Trump says oil prices that spiked because of Iran war likely won’t come down until after midterms
Prices aren’t peaceful at the pump. Neither is the conflict in Iran, with attacks on crude oil carriers in the last 24 hours. Wednesday, the president signaled the war is winding down.
“They’re doing very poorly, their country is in shambles right now,” Trump said. “Right after the election, oil prices are going to be tumbling downwards.”
8 On Your Side shared the president’s comments with a rideshare driver in Tampa.
“Oh, I certainly hope so. If not, I might have to reconsider driving,” said Randy Pouge.
Pouge said his gas prices forced him to buy a hybrid SUV in March. He says he’s still having to make changes.
“I have cut back considerably. I used to do it five days a week. Now I do it maybe three or four,” Pouge said.
Research fellow Arman Mahmoudain with the National Security Institute at the University of South Florida said he questions the president’s timeline.
“Based on all previous experiences predicting the market and the price of the oil, two months ahead is not the most realistic course of action,” Mahmoudain said. “I think it’s more to do with the U.S. domestic politics rather than the international developments, specifically in the Middle East.”
Mahmoudain said if there is a ceasefire, like there have been in the past, there is no guarantee it’ll stick. Drivers said they want a real break from the high prices.
“It’s difficult for everybody. And we have to adapt. And it’s very unfortunate that this has occurred over the past year or so,” Fiedorek said.
“I hope we get the Iran thing fixed. And, you know, we can get back to some sense of normalcy,” Pouge said.
The president said he thinks gas prices will get below $2 a gallon, but not until after November’s midterms.
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