https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-are-gas-prices-so-high_n_62a4f061e4b04a61734f6bed
Why Are Gas Prices So High?
There is little evidence that gasoline prices, which hit a record $5 a gallon on Saturday, will drop anytime soon.
Rising prices at the pump are a key driver in the highest inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years.
Everyone seems to have a favorite villain for the high cost of filling up.
Some blame President Joe Biden. Others say it’s because Russian President Vladimir Putin recklessly invaded Ukraine. It’s not hard to find people, including Democrats in Congress, who accuse the oil companies of price gouging.
As with many things in life, the answer is complicated.
Why is this happening?
Several factors are coming together to push gasoline prices higher.
Global oil prices have been rising — unevenly, but sharply overall — since December. The price of international crude has roughly doubled in that time, with the U. S. benchmark rising nearly as much, closing Friday at more than $120 a barrel.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions by the United States and its allies have contributed to the rise. Russia is a leading oil producer.
The United States is the world’s largest oil producer, but U. S. capacity to turn oil into gasoline is down 900,000 barrels of oil per day since the end of 2019, according to the Energy Department.
Tighter oil and gasoline supplies are hitting as energy consumption rises because of the economic recovery.
Finally, Americans typically drive more starting around Memorial Day, adding to the demand for gasoline.
Why Are Gas Prices So High?
There is little evidence that gasoline prices, which hit a record $5 a gallon on Saturday, will drop anytime soon.
Rising prices at the pump are a key driver in the highest inflation that Americans have seen in 40 years.
Everyone seems to have a favorite villain for the high cost of filling up.
Some blame President Joe Biden. Others say it’s because Russian President Vladimir Putin recklessly invaded Ukraine. It’s not hard to find people, including Democrats in Congress, who accuse the oil companies of price gouging.
As with many things in life, the answer is complicated.
Why is this happening?
Several factors are coming together to push gasoline prices higher.
Global oil prices have been rising — unevenly, but sharply overall — since December. The price of international crude has roughly doubled in that time, with the U. S. benchmark rising nearly as much, closing Friday at more than $120 a barrel.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions by the United States and its allies have contributed to the rise. Russia is a leading oil producer.
The United States is the world’s largest oil producer, but U. S. capacity to turn oil into gasoline is down 900,000 barrels of oil per day since the end of 2019, according to the Energy Department.
Tighter oil and gasoline supplies are hitting as energy consumption rises because of the economic recovery.
Finally, Americans typically drive more starting around Memorial Day, adding to the demand for gasoline.
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