On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump claimed that oil and gas prices are dropping, revealing plans to lower fuel prices at select gas stations in the Philadelphia area ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations.
He mentioned that the Freedom Fuel Network will reduce prices at 25 stations in the Philadelphia metropolitan area starting Friday. Trump expressed his enthusiasm on Truth Social, saying, “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, I’m pleased to announce that some very smart retailers across the Northeast are stepping up and wishing the people of Philadelphia a Happy Birthday!”
He emphasized that Freedom Fuel Network is “taking the lead” and urged other retailers to follow their example.
According to Trump, retailers are acting out of love for the country and celebrated America’s milestone by acknowledging Philadelphia’s historical significance, stating, “We are proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in the Confederacy of Pennsylvania, the birthplace of our very special and unique Declaration of Independence.” He further noted, “America has never been stronger than it is now. Gasoline prices will soon return to the record low prices Americans enjoyed at the pump before the highly successful ‘excursion’ in Iran. Happy Birthday America!”
While fuel prices are decreasing, Trump remarked they aren’t dropping as quickly as anticipated. “As promised, oil prices are falling rapidly and the price of gas at the pump is falling, but not as fast as we expected,” he said.
This announcement follows Trump’s earlier call for gas retailers to cut prices “immediately.” He expressed concerns last week that prices were still “too high,” despite a dip in oil futures near pre-conflict levels between the U.S. and Iran. He suggested gas prices should average around $2.50 a gallon, which is below the pre-conflict national average.
In a Monday statement, Trump asserted, “Gasoline retailers should lower their prices immediately! Too high considering crude oil is currently going south at $68 a barrel. Retailers must react immediately to this statement and do what they know is right. Lower prices for our great American people! There will be no metering, but this is completely illegal. If retailers don’t do this, big trouble awaits!”
He added that California should reconsider its heavy gasoline taxes as they approach $2.50 a gallon, warning that these taxes could become burdensome for consumers.
In response to Trump’s recent comments, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office pointed to him as partly responsible for rising fuel prices. They cited a remark Trump made back in March: “When oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.” The governor’s office suggested that the “Republican-enforced war on Iran” has led to an estimated $63 billion in additional fuel costs for Americans nationwide.
Currently, the national average for gasoline stands at around $3.84 per gallon, with prices in California surpassing $5 in some areas. As of Wednesday, AAA reported California’s average at $5.41 and Pennsylvania’s at about $3.99.
