What KJP Got Wrong About Gas Prices

During a press briefing on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about Saudi Arabia’s decision to extend oil production cuts – an announcement that came a day earlier when the Kingdom said its current reduction of 1 million barrels per day would remain for another three months, though it would be subject to monthly review. Russia also made a similar decision to extend its voluntary reduction in oil exports until the end of the year.

Jean-Pierre used the opportunity to tout this summer's gas prices.

Q … [W]hat’s your reaction to that? How does that complicate your effort to lower gas prices?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, it — it doesn’t complicate our efforts. We’ve been very clear. The President has said at the — at the — at the top, or the center, of his economic policy is lowering costs for Americans, right? And — and so, our focus is going to be abou- — about American consumers, how we can continue to do that.
If you look at what we’ve been able to do th- — from last summer to this summer — lowering gas prices by a — by a dollar twenty cents — that is — that is because of the work that this administration has done. And so, we’re always going to be focused on how — what — you know, what — what steps we can take to continue to lower prices for Americans. (White House transcript)

Karine Jean-Pierre claims gas prices are down by $1.20 "from last summer to this summer."

That isn't true — gas prices are HIGHER today than they were a year ago.pic.twitter.com/lpBwWSOfmg
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) September 6, 2023

The current national average for regular gas is at $3.80 per gallon, according to AAA, higher than this time last year when the average stood at $3.76. As Bloomberg notes, pump prices are also at the highest seasonal level in over a decade.

CNN REPORTER: "Gas prices are hovering around historic highs for this time of the year."

Bidenomics in action, folks. pic.twitter.com/AU5IEd814O
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 31, 2023