The average price of a gallon of gas nationwide has hit $5 a gallon for the first time in history.
The average price hit $5 on June 11, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which tracks prices.
The average is as high as $6.43 in some states, including California, and as low as $4.46 in others, such as Alabama.
Gas Buddy, another tracker, says that the national average struck $5 on June 9.
Either way, the price has soared since President Joe Biden took office in January of 2021, and has risen by $2 a gallon since one year ago and about 20 cents from one week ago.
Analysts say the surging prices stem from factors including a decline in refining capacity around the world, including in the United States, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and countries banning Russian oil amid the Russian-Ukraine war.
The Biden administration’s focus on restricting domestic production has also played a role, according to some experts.
“It’s been one kink after another this year, and worst of all, demand doesn’t seem to be responding to the surge in gas prices, meaning there is a high probability that prices could go even higher in the weeks ahead,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a statement. “It’s a perfect storm of factors all aligning to create a rare environment of rapid price hikes. The situation could become even worse should there be any unexpected issues at the nation’s refineries or a major hurricane that impacts oil production or refineries this summer.”
Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, noted that on the campaign trial, Biden vowed to stop drilling on federal lands and “end fossil fuel.” Since he’s taken office, his administration has curbed oil drilling permits and promoted a fast transition to alternative forms of energy such as solar and wind.
“Biden promised to eliminate oil and natural gas, now families are paying the price for his anti-American energy agenda. Biden’s solution? Force Americans to drive less or buy an expensive electric vehicle,” McDaniel said in a statement. “Biden is out of touch and has no real solutions, no plan, and no sympathy for struggling families.”
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
