Petrol prices are skyrocketing, and everyone is pointing fingers. Republicans highlight the energy policies of the Biden administration, while Democrats argue that ‘big oil’ executives intentionally maintain high prices to enhance their profits.
The average petrol price in Pennsylvania is $3.776 per gallon, which is slightly higher than the national average. This matter is of utmost importance as we near the bustling Memorial Day weekend, with Democrats, spearheaded by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, expressing their disapproval of Big Oil companies due to the exorbitant prices.
Republicans claim that President Joe Biden’s energy policies are to blame. Voters in seven battleground states are expressing their top concerns as the 2024 presidential campaign gains momentum. The economy and cost of living have emerged as key issues in a recent poll.
In response to the increasing prices, the Biden administration has recently announced the release of 1 million gallons of oil from reserves in the northeastern U.S. On Friday, the national average petrol price dropped to $3.609, a significant decrease from the record-breaking high of $5.016 in June 2022.
During a press conference, Democratic lawmakers, including Schumer, Senators Ed Markey, and Sheldon Whitehouse, criticised oil companies for placing profits above the goal of reducing prices.
Schumer brought attention to accusations against Scott Sheffield, CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, for allegedly engaging in collusion with OPEC in an effort to decrease oil production and increase prices.
Schumer intends to strongly encourage the U.S. Justice Department to thoroughly investigate and take legal action against any potential collusion or price-fixing schemes that may have artificially increased fuel prices. He emphasised the importance of the federal government ensuring that the oil industry is held responsible for any unlawful actions.
Democrats also criticised former President Donald Trump for his close relationship with major oil companies. Senators Whitehouse and Ron Wyden are currently investigating allegations regarding a potential quid pro quo deal between Trump and oil executives.
Republicans argue that Biden’s policies, including the temporary halt on new liquified natural gas export approvals and the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, have contributed to the increase in gas prices. Americans for Prosperity, a conservative group, has organised events aimed at reducing petrol prices to levels seen before the Biden administration.
According to polling data, voters in swing states are expressing significant concerns about inflation and the cost of living. In a hypothetical 2024 matchup, Trump is currently leading Biden in most of these states.
Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding petrol prices, both parties stand resolute in their stances, pointing fingers at one another for the economic strain placed on American consumers.