White House Receives Backlash for Response to Spiked Gas Prices

Within the briefing, one reporter asked Jean-Pierre what President Biden plans to do about the ever-increasing price of gas across the country, and her response has received significant backlash for being frustratingly passive.

Unfortunately for American drivers, the cost of a gallon changes almost every day. Sometimes, it can increase by upwards of 10% in just one month. When citizens wake up in the morning, they have no idea how much it’s going to cost in gas to get to work.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average was $3.644 per gallon on Tuesday, April 16, a 5.2% increase from last month’s $3.461.

When asked directly about the increased price of gas, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded by saying, “The average gas price right now is cheaper than this time last year.” Which did not comfort the country.

Many Americans were outraged that the Biden administration apparently has no “new actions” to try to lower gas prices in the near future. They argue that even though gasoline is still cheaper than it was last year, it is still “way overpriced.”

One user 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 it’s still high.” And another wrote, “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?”

Over the past 18 months, that number has significantly decreased to $3.64; however, as many argue, that’s still extremely high compared to what it was when Biden was elected.

They argue that the Democratic president hasn’t done nearly enough to minimize the growing cost of fuel, as well as the ever-increasing inflation rate and the many other economic issues America is currently facing.

Head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, Partick De Haan, explained that the increase in gas prices “was completely expected and where we are today is not a surprise at all.”

It seems as though everything costs more than it once did; from groceries to utility bills, rent, mortgage rates, cars, clothes, and everything in between, Americans are simply sick of paying more for their necessities.

In 2023, the federal government defined a low-income American as someone who makes less than $14,580 per year. This means that millions of low-income earners spend more than 14% of their income on gas, and that number will significantly increase as the cost of gas increases.

However, one thing is for sure: Americans should expect the price of gas to increase over the coming months. According to expert Patrick De Haan, the national average will likely hit $3.89 by the end of May 2024.

Despite this, public frustration grows as prices at the pump soar, highlighting a gap between official assurances and everyday realities faced by American drivers. The administration’s reliance on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a quick fix is increasingly seen as insufficient by the public.

Despite this, the reserve’s levels are the lowest in decades, raising concerns about future capacity to address ongoing price surges.

Critics argue that while these releases might offer short-term relief, they do not constitute a sustainable strategy and could jeopardize future security needs.

Public discontent is palpable as many feel that the administration’s response fails to shield them from the immediate impacts of international conflicts on fuel costs.

However, their effectiveness is increasingly questioned by the public who suffer from rising costs, despite these measures.

They criticize the reliance on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and call for more robust energy independence strategies, leveraging these points in pre-election campaigns.

Across networks, coverage ranges from supportive of strategic reserve releases to critical of the administration’s broader energy policies, significantly influencing public opinion.

These tensions highlight the challenge of balancing economic and environmental priorities in policy-making.

However, significant barriers such as cost, infrastructure, and public acceptance slow these alternatives’ adoption, despite their potential to alleviate dependency on gasoline.

This economic pressure is particularly harsh on low-income families, who face difficult choices between fuel costs and other essentials.

This projection poses potential economic challenges but may also drive positive change towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

Advocates push for strategies that not only address immediate price concerns but also foster long-term sustainability and energy independence.

Families are also feeling the pinch, often having to cut back on other expenses to afford fuel. The financial strain is particularly challenging for those in rural areas, where driving is a necessity rather than a choice.

Public transportation offers another solution, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Biking and walking are also viable options for those living closer to their workplaces, promoting both health and savings.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are another game-changer, eliminating the need for gasoline entirely. Advanced fuel-efficient engines and lightweight materials in new car models also contribute to better mileage, helping drivers save money at the pump.

State-level incentives, such as rebates and reduced registration fees, further enhance the appeal. Additionally, many areas offer perks like access to carpool lanes and free public charging stations, making EVs an attractive alternative to traditional gasoline cars.

With lower emissions and reduced fuel costs, hybrids are an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers looking to save money in the long run.

Reducing excess weight in the car and using cruise control on highways are additional tips that can help drivers save money on gas.

Some apps, such as Google Maps, provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternative routes to avoid congestion, saving both time and fuel. By integrating these apps into their daily routines, drivers can make more informed decisions and stretch their fuel budgets further.

Organized carpool programs and dedicated carpool lanes on highways further incentivize this cost-effective and eco-friendly commuting option.

For many, the savings on fuel, parking, and vehicle maintenance can be substantial. Additionally, some cities offer discounted transit passes and employer-sponsored programs to encourage public transport use.

This shift not only cuts down on daily travel expenses but also contributes to a better work-life balance and increased productivity, making it a win-win for both employers and employees.

By planning routes ahead of time and avoiding peak traffic hours, drivers can save both time and fuel, making their trips more cost-effective.

Additionally, environmentally friendly practices contribute to a reduction in carbon footprint, promoting a healthier planet. By prioritizing fuel efficiency, consumers can enjoy financial benefits while supporting broader sustainability goals.