It’s almost like the Biden administration is shrugging its shoulders about the rising fuel prices.
The latest admission of helplessness came this week from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo who said Tuesday there is not much more the White House can do to tackle the record high gas prices for Americans. She blamed the war in Ukraine.
“Unfortunately, that is the brutal reality,” Raimondo said in response to a CNN reporter’s question.
“You know, this is, in large part, caused by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s aggression. You know, since Putin move troops to the border of Ukraine, gas prices have gone up over $1.40 a gallon, and the President is asking for Congress and others for potential ideas. But as you say, the reality is that there isn’t very much more to be done.”
Gasoline prices aren’t the only fuel to see record high levels. Diesel fuel is up to $5.74 a gallon average across the nation, 3 cents higher in one day and nearly 20 cents more than a week ago. It compares to the $3.20 average a year ago.
Oklahoma’s diesel fuel average is up to $5.19 a gallon, a penny higher in one day and 14 cents more than a week ago. One year ago, the diesel fuel average in the state was $2.94 per gallon.
Truckers filling up in the Oklahoma City metro area are paying an average $5.20 a gallon, 17 cents more than a week ago and much higher than the $2.90 average paid a year ago.
A fill-up in Tulsa will cost $5.11 a gallon, 3 cents higher than a day ago and 8 cents more than a week ago.
While the higher diesel fuel prices are adding to higher costs of merchandise transported nationally by trucks, consider the impact on farming in Oklahoma. It’s harvest time and that means the cost of fueling combines to cut wheat is also higher.
Custom-cutters who travel from one state to the other hiring out to farmers have to charge more for their services.