Evaluating Political Claims on Fuel Costs
President Donald Trump recently told supporters at an Ohio rally that current fuel costs are lower than they were when joe biden was in office. This assertion has become a recurring talking point in campaign speeches as the November midterm elections approach.
However, an analysis of historical data from AAA indicates that this comparison applies to only a small fraction of the previous administration's tenure. National average gas figures were actually lower during roughly 95% of the total days under the former president.
Analyzing National and State Averages
The national average gas price stood at approximately $4.36 per gallon recently. Historical records show that the national average was higher than that figure on only 76 out of 1,460 full days during the administration of joe biden.
All of those higher-priced days occurred between May and July of 2022, following global market disruptions triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The peak national average during that era reached about $5.02 per gallon in mid-June 2022.
The situation in Ohio mirrors the national trend. State averages were lower during approximately 90% of the term under joe biden compared to recent state averages of roughly $3.87 per gallon.
Broader Inflation Trends
Alongside statements about petroleum costs, claims have also been made that other consumer prices have dropped. According to the Consumer Price Index data, average consumer prices actually rose by a seasonally adjusted 4.8% between January 2025 and August 2026.
Categories showing continued price increases include shelter, food, medical care services, and apparel. Further economic data releases are scheduled to provide updated figures on consumer trends.
Sources: CNN, CNN, WKYC, SuaraGarut.ID.
