Sen. Cantwell: Blame Trump for incredibly high gas prices

SEATTLE — Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer driving season. Unfortunately, we’re also seeing some incredibly high gas prices, a trend that may continue.

Washington state Senator Maria Cantwell says the average American household can expect to pay $167 more in fuel costs this year. Drivers are seeing gas prices in the $3 range, some areas pushing closer to $4.

“That’s sticker shock to the average American family,” she added.

Washington drivers are currently stuck with the third highest gas prices in the country, Cantwell says.

As of noon Wednesday, the average cost of gas across the country was $2.94, according to AAA. Washington’s average was $3.42. The average price of gas jumped 12 cents in 14 days and AAA reports motorists will pay the highest prices since 2014.

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On Wednesday, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said President Trump was responsible for the increased gas prices. Both he and Cantwell said those prices have negated any benefit from Trump’s tax cuts for individuals. They say abandoning the Iran Nuclear Deal led to increased prices.

A wave of global economic growth and cutbacks initiated by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries are also factors that have helped increase oil prices.

Cantwell, Schumer, Senator Bob Menendez, and Ed Markey sent a letter urging Trump to take action to lower gas prices by pressuring the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to increase oil supplies. You can read the letter here.

“The American people want to know what the president plans to do about this,” said Cantwell during the announcement of the letter.

In April, Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for the Oil Price Information Service, warned what AAA is reporting — it will be the most expensive driving season since 2014. The price of U.S. crude oil has been on a mostly steady increase since last June.

Cox Media Group