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Gasoline Prices Under Trump's Second Term Surpass Biden-Era Average, AAA Data Shows
The average price Americans have paid for gasoline during President Donald Trump's second term has now edged past the average during the administration of his predecessor, Joe Biden, according to an analysis of data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
By the Numbers
Data compiled by AAA shows a fractional but notable shift in the long-term average cost of fuel at the pump. The figures compare the average price since Trump took office for his second term nearly two years ago with the full-term average under President Biden.
- Regular Gasoline: The average price during Trump's term reached $3.472 per gallon, just surpassing the $3.471 per-gallon average recorded during Biden's term.
- Diesel Fuel: The price disparity is more pronounced for diesel, which averaged $4.343 a gallon under Trump, compared to $4.078 a gallon under Biden.
Diesel, a critical fuel for shipping, agriculture, and heavy industry, has been subject to significant volatility. Citing global fuel supply disruptions from wars in Ukraine and Iran, Reuters reported that U.S. diesel prices hit a record high of $6.523 a gallon on September 22.
AdPolitical and Economic Implications
Sustained high fuel prices present a significant political headwind for the incumbent administration as the Republican Party seeks to defend its narrow congressional majorities in the November 3 midterm elections. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the figures.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll published on October 19 indicated that voter concern over high gasoline prices is impacting the president's approval ratings. The poll found:
- President Trump's overall approval rating fell to 31%, a record low for either of his presidential terms.
- Just 23% of adults polled approved of his handling of the economy.
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