Americans struggled with exorbitantly high gas prices this summer, with the cost rising to over $7.00 per gallon in some areas.
Prices have declined somewhat in recent months, which the Biden administration recently tried to take credit for. The response among many consumers was nothing short of furious.
“Some breathing room”
On Saturday, the White House’s official Twitter account put out a tweet that boasted of “the fastest decline in gas prices in over a decade.”
Included was a graphic meant to look like a gas station receipt that said prices have been declining for 95 days and the average family with two cars can expect to save $140 at the pump.
Today marks 95 days of dropping gas prices across the U.S.
Americans are getting some breathing room at the pump as we continue on the fastest decline in gas prices in over a decade. pic.twitter.com/2eXgZcglWV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 17, 2022
Yet even with the recent drop, average gas prices still remain substantially higher than they were when former President Donald Trump took office, a fact some were quick to point out.
I want it back to $1.78 like it was this time two years ago.
— John W (@txradioguy) September 18, 2022
Bad decisions
Some liberals accuse Biden critics of “whining” about gas prices. Others pointed to the president’s controversial decision to open the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), a supply of fuel that is meant to be used in case of a national emergency.
Reuters reported in July that roughly 5 million barrels of oil released from the SPR were exported to several foreign countries, including China.
You’re emptying our strategic petroleum reserves, selling some of it to China
It was $2.35 when Biden was sworn in you dishonest hacks— Ultra-MAGA Deplorable Petr (@PragueArtist) September 17, 2022
Some did come to the Biden administration’s defense, however, with one Twitter user insisting that consumers are “whining” and should be grateful to pay over $6.00 per gallon.
Nonsense. Even at $6/gallon it is practically free energy. You drive a huge gas guzzler, quit whining.
— KellyAndrewCox (BFGaloot44) (@BGaloot44) September 17, 2022