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From the Headlines: Gasoline Prices Rise for 32 Days Straight, Hit American Families at Worst Possible Time

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 19, 2013 | Jill Strait or Spencer Pederson (202-225-2761)

Yesterday marked 32 days in a row of increased gasoline prices, a 13 percent jump, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), which estimates the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.74. When President Obama took office in January 2009, the average price for gallon of gasoline was $1.84. Since taking office, President Obama has prevented new American energy production that could help alleviate rising gasoline prices.

The Obama Administration has blocked oil and natural gas production on 85 percent of America’s offshore areas, canceled onshore oil and natural gas lease sales, slowed approval of permits to drill by 30 percent, delayed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, hindered production of 1.3 trillion barrels of oil shale, and prevented energy production in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and ANWR.

House Natural Resources Republicans have offered real solutions to help bring down gasoline prices create jobs and grow the economy.

Take a look at what they are saying around the country as gasoline prices spike:

  • “[Gasoline prices are] hitting wallets right in the middle of winter, when people are already looking at large home heating bills. And it comes just after many Americans have been hit with smaller paychecks, and are worried about looming budget cuts that could deliver an even deeper blow.” (CNN Money, February 18)
  • “Patrick DeHaan, an analyst with the website, said many cities have seen increases of 8 cents to 20 cents in just the past week…He said his firm's unscientific user surveys suggest that the pinch at the pump could lead to less travel over spring break in March and April and changes in plans for Memorial Day and even the summer.” (NBC News, February 18)
  • “In California, the state with one of the largest Latino populations, the gasoline average is at a national high at $4.17 a gallon. This news hits Latinos especially hard, not only because they are more dependent on gasoline for employment – like construction jobs and landscaping work – but also because the group is still experiencing higher unemployment than most, experts say.” (Fox News Latino, February 19)
  • “The rapid rise in gas prices has become a growing problem for the economy and stock market…Gas prices usually start to rise at this time of year as refineries prepare for reformulated summer gas. But the gas price increase is larger and the change is earlier than normal.” (ABC News, February 19)
  • “Gasoline prices rose to a near four-month high in the U.S. Tuesday, fueled by a number of refinery closures…About one million barrels per day of refining capacity has been taken off line…” (CNBC, February 19)

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