Yes
I do.
No
I don’t.
American households could continue feeling pressure from elevated energy costs, putting President Donald Trump’s energy and economic policies under increased scrutiny.
Energy prices matter to virtually every family, whether they are paying at the gas pump, heating and cooling their home, buying groceries or paying for products transported across the country.
The latest energy outlook underscores why the issue remains complicated.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s August Short-Term Energy Outlook said continuing constraints involving the Strait of Hormuz were affecting global oil supplies. The agency forecast Brent crude oil prices averaging around $85 per barrel during the third quarter of 2026.
Gasoline prices have already delivered a major shock to consumers.
Regular gasoline reached approximately $4.15 per gallon nationally on Labor Day, setting a record for the holiday. Diesel prices climbed to approximately $5.90 per gallon.
Higher energy costs can spread throughout the economy.
When truckers and delivery companies pay more for diesel, transportation costs can increase. Manufacturers and farmers also rely heavily on energy, meaning sustained increases can eventually affect prices on store shelves.
The political question is how much responsibility should fall on the president.
Trump has long promoted expanded American energy production and has argued that increasing domestic supplies can lower costs and strengthen U.S. energy independence.
However, energy markets are influenced by far more than White House policy. Wars, global oil production, weather, refinery disruptions, international shipping routes and consumer demand can all affect prices.
That means two things can potentially be true at once: presidential policies can influence energy costs, while major forces outside any president’s direct control can also move prices sharply higher or lower.
For voters, the issue ultimately comes down to whether they believe Trump’s policies and decisions have improved America’s energy situation — or contributed to the financial pressure households are experiencing.
With energy costs affecting everything from commuting to groceries, Americans are paying close attention.