Americans nationwide are outraged after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre delivered an apathetic response regarding the ever-increasing gas prices during a press briefing on Monday, April 15, 2024.
When directly asked what President Biden plans to do about the spike, Jean-Pierre said the administration is not concerned since prices are lower than last year. Many citizens argue the price is still extremely high compared to when Biden took office in January 2021.
Press Secretary Provides Frustrating Response
On Monday, April 15, 2024, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre delivered a press briefing that received significant criticism.
When asked about rising gas prices, Jean-Pierre responded, “The average gas price right now is cheaper than this time last year.” This statement did not reassure citizens, as gas prices change daily, and a 5.2% monthly increase is substantial.
Social Media Backlash and Arguments
The Republican National Committee shared the press conference on social media, and commenters expressed their frustrations. One wrote, “Used to be 2 bucks. Now it’s over 3 bucks. The fact that it’s not 4 bucks anymore doesn’t change the fact that it’s still high.”
Another argued, “Karine Jean-Pierre praises the current gas prices, even after being told they’ve gone up 20¢/gallon in just the past month. Are you impressed by gas prices under Biden?”
Average Gas Price Still Lower Than Last Year Per Administration
According to the Biden administration, Americans should find solace in the fact that gas prices today are lower than they were a year ago.
However, for many citizens struggling with the frequent price fluctuations at the pump, this is little comfort.
A Tumultuous Industry
Gasoline prices are notoriously unstable, changing based on global oil prices and the overall health of the economy. Unfortunately for drivers, the cost of a gallon can increase substantially from one month to the next.
When people wake up in the morning, they have no way of knowing how much their commute to work will cost that day. Because gas prices directly impact most Americans, any spike in cost is a cause for concern.
Gas Prices Under Biden’s Rule
When President Joe Biden was inaugurated, the average cost for a gallon of gas was $2.40. Within 12 months, the price climbed to $3 per gallon, and by 2022, a gallon cost $5.06 on average – more than double the price from when Biden took office.
While the cost has declined to $3.64 recently, that’s still 50% higher than when Biden became president.
Why Gas Prices Change So Frequently
Gas prices in the United States are notoriously volatile, changing almost daily for a variety of reasons. According to experts, there are a few major factors that contribute to the frequent fluctuations in cost per gallon.
Like any commodity, gas prices are largely determined by the basic economic principle of supply and demand. When demand for gas is high, especially during peak driving seasons in the summer, gas companies can raise prices.
Calls For Government Intervention
There have been calls from both political parties for the government to take steps to lower gas prices, such as increasing domestic oil production, suspending gas taxes, or providing direct subsidies to drivers.
However, experts argue that the government has limited ability to control oil markets and that prices are largely determined by global supply and demand.
Gas Hit Over $5 Per Gallon in 2022
In 2022, gas prices in the U.S. skyrocketed to over $5 per gallon on average, the highest prices Americans have seen in decades.
According to experts, several factors contributed to the surge, including increasing demand as the economy recovered from the pandemic, reductions in domestic oil production, and global geopolitical issues like the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Impact on Americans
These high gas prices had a significant impact on Americans, especially working families and small business owners. As people returned to workplaces and kids went back to school, the increased driving led to much higher fuel costs.
For many hourly and low-income workers, the extra money spent on gas cut into budgets for essentials like food, housing, and medication.
Unpredictable and Unstable Prices
The oil and gasoline industry is notoriously volatile. Prices often fluctuate based on global events outside of any one nation’s control.
However, for Americans reliant on their vehicles to commute to work, transport goods, and travel, unstable gas prices can be an economic hardship.
Biden Urged To Appeal To Voters With The Elections Around The Corner
With the 2024 election looming, the administration may need to take consumers’ concerns over gas prices more seriously if they want voters’ support.
Simply reminding people that costs aren’t as high as they were last year is unlikely to ease the frustration and financial strain that many Americans feel at the pump.
Gas Prices Continue To Be Controversial
Gas prices in America have been a controversial topic, especially since President Joe Biden took office.
Over the last three years, the cost of a gallon has fluctuated significantly, leaving citizens confused and concerned.
White House Response is Dismissive and Out of Touch
The Biden administration and Karine Jean-Pierre, in particular, failed to reassure the public about this issue. Her passive and dismissive responses during the press briefing only angered Americans further.
Until then, fuel costs will likely remain a controversial and concerning topic of discussion across the country.
White House is Passive on Gas Price Spikes
The White House’s passive response to the latest spike in gas prices has clearly struck a nerve with many Americans.
This issue affects the daily lives and budgets of millions, so a perceived lack of concern or urgency from the administration is troubling.
