The risks facing Trump are escalating as the midterm elections approach.
Prices for everything have risen, and Trump promised the opposite / © Associated Press
A significant surge in the cost of diesel fuel in the United States is amplifying the political vulnerabilities for President Donald Trump and the Republican party as the congressional elections draw near.
This is reported by Politico.
An increase in diesel costs in America is starting to trigger a cascade effect throughout the economy, impacting everything from food costs to residential construction, while also introducing new political challenges for the Republican party leading up to the midterm elections, where a more intense battle with Democrats is anticipated.
While many Americans primarily monitor gasoline prices, diesel exerts a much wider influence on the economy. It’s essential for trucking, farming, production, and logistics—all crucial elements of the supply network.
Diesel in the US nears all-time highs
According to the report, the average diesel price across the United States as of April 5 was $5.66 per gallon (3.8 liters), which is merely 16 cents (approximately 7 UAH) below the historical peak of $5.82 reached in June 2022.
“In the past week alone, prices have jumped by almost 30 cents due to constrained fuel availability. Concurrently, gasoline is also becoming more expensive – its average price is getting closer to a high mark of $5.02,” the report states.
Economic repercussions: from goods to housing
Experts indicate that the escalation of diesel prices has a lasting consequence on the economy, since logistics firms operate under contracts that fix fuel costs beforehand.
According to analysts, this leads to a gradual rise in the cost of groceries, household items, construction supplies, as well as delivery and mailing services.
Almost all commodities moved by freight will see a cost hike.
Political burden on the White House
Increased prices bring additional risks for President Donald Trump and the GOP as congressional elections approach.
Republican strategist Chuck Coughlin commented that voters will directly associate the higher prices with the administration.
“Everything is becoming more expensive, and Trump assured the opposite. He will suffer the consequences in the election,” he states.
However, the Trump administration asserts that the circumstances are temporary and related to the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House's stance: “passing jolt”
Government officials express that the price hike is fleeting and that the market will stabilize as the Gulf situation settles, pointing out that Trump’s energy strategies have previously brought prices to long-term lows.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant described the price surge as a “short-lived irregularity” expected to last for a few months.
Logistics and transport under strain
The American freight industry is experiencing the most significant effects.
According to industry experts, about 20% of carriers have already ceased operations due to fuel expenses, some drivers are shortening their routes or switching to lighter loads, and diesel costs for a single truck can reach $1,200 each week.
In certain areas of the US, prices have already outstripped the former record.
The cause of the surge is geopolitics
The core reason behind the price increase is the conflict in the Middle East and tensions in the Persian Gulf region, notably near the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil transit occurs.
Further strain is created by attacks on infrastructure and interruptions to oil supplies, which have a direct impact on the diesel market.
Experts caution that even if the conflict is resolved rapidly, diesel prices will not immediately revert to prior levels – the consequences could last for months or even more than a year.
Against this backdrop, the United States is entering a phase where energy prices could become a key factor in the political battle in the elections. It is worth noting that the Republicans are still preparing to relinquish power. Their approval ratings are declining, and the “advantages” are shifting to the Democrats.
Meanwhile, the United States is struggling to definitively resolve the war with Iran.
US-Iran war — recent updates
Accordingly, US President Donald Trump declared a temporary pause to Operation Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz owing to discussions with Iran and appeals from Pakistan and other nations.
Concurrently, Trump himself indicated that the conflict between the US and Iran could continue for another two to three weeks. However, he emphasized that Washington is not tying the resolution to strict timelines.
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