Gasoline and diesel prices soar in the US: reach historic highs during elections

Gasoline and diesel are recording their highest prices this Tuesday for an election day in the United States, which decides control of Congress for the next two years with midterm elections marked by inflation, rising fuel costs, and the war with Iran.

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The average cost of a gallon (3.78 liters) of regular gasoline in the country stands at 4.15 dollars, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), approximately 35 cents more than the previous record for an election day (3.80 dollars), reached during the 2022 legislative elections following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

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In comparison, the average price of gasoline during the 2024 presidential election was 3.10 dollars per gallon.

On the other hand, the average cost of a gallon of diesel is 6.29 dollars, according to the AAA, following a record high of 6.52 dollars recorded on September 22 due to the war in Iran.

During the week of the 2022 elections, that figure was 5.33 dollars per gallon of diesel, while in the 2024 presidential election it was around 3.55 dollars, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

In these elections, the Republican Party is playing for the majorities it holds in both chambers of Congress, hindered by the unpopularity of President Donald Trump, the effects of his policies, and the war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran more than eight months ago.

The war, stuck in limbo with no sign of a peace agreement, has sent fuel prices skyrocketing and disrupted supply chains after Tehran severely restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for goods and crude oil.

Trump has closed a deal to import Russian diesel with the aim of lowering prices, facing discontent among his electoral base, especially in agricultural Republican strongholds like Iowa and Kansas, where Democrats have gained support in key races for control of the Senate.