Donald Trump attributes rising gasoline prices to refineries and Democratic policies

On October 5, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer the primary driver of rising gasoline prices. Posting on Truth Social, Trump noted that record volumes of oil are passing through the strait daily, shifting the focus of market concerns to the status of global and domestic refineries.

Trump identified two main causes for the price volatility: the ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and the closure of refinery facilities in the United States, specifically mentioning California. He explicitly blamed Democratic policymakers for the domestic closures, suggesting these actions are restricting supply and inflating costs for American consumers. The rising price of fuel remains a sensitive issue ahead of the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026.

While Trump has previously criticized Ukraine's targeting of Russian infrastructure, he has not publicly addressed the recent increase in Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory. Analysts note that these statements are part of a broader political debate regarding energy policy and economic management in the lead-up to the upcoming legislative elections.