Thursday, March 05, 2026

Trump Administration Panicking over Spikes in Gas Prices

President Donald Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, is telling his advisers to bring ideas to the Oval Office to lower gasoline prices in the wake of the U.S. attack on Iran, according to two energy industry executives familiar with the conversations.

Posted by jpw at 11:30 PM | 63 COMMENTS | permalink

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Susie Wiles sounds the alarm on gas prices White House aides and Cabinet officials are coming under intense pressure to reverse the spike in energy prices caused by the start of the war in the Middle East.

[image or embed]

-- Jon Cooper (@joncooper-us.bsky.social) Mar 5, 2026 at 8:13 AM

Comments

Of course, these idiots claim to have a plan even though it's crystal clear they haven't planned a damn thing before going to war with Iran.

#1 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-05 04:25 PM

What the hell did they think was going to happen when they started a war in the ME?

#2 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2026-03-05 04:59 PM

What the hell did they think was going to happen when they started a war in the ME?

#2 | Posted by Whatsleft

Riiiiight?

The Trump Administration is a Confederancy of Dunces.

#3 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-05 05:02 PM

Great book.

#4 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-05 05:03 PM

Affordability is the GOP campaign slogan for 2026, right?

Someone in the Trumpf junta will say increase oil production in Venezuela's dilapidated infrastructure.

On Tuesday 5 Nov 2024, another day that will live in infamy, 76,535,898 morons voted against their own economic interests to the ruin of us all.

#5 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-05 05:24 PM

Gas station near me was $4.79 at 1:30pm, an hour later it was $4.99

PEDO DONNIE is a -------- imbecile.

#6 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-05 06:54 PM

Oh, and before the idiot did Israel's bidding it was $4.39

#7 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-05 06:55 PM

Trump is always stepping in something and then panicking about it.

Consider how many times, even in this one day, that Donald has been reported losing his ---- over something.

#8 | Posted by Zed at 2026-03-05 06:57 PM

that Donald has been reported losing his ---- over something.

Can you imagine what a horror it must be for the domestic staff to have to wait on that -------?

#9 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-05 07:05 PM

Gas station near me was $4.79 at 1:30pm, an hour later it was $4.99

PEDO DONNIE is a -------- imbecile.

#6 | Posted by LegallyYourDead

I'm recovering from surgery to replace a big toe joint (large jar fell out of the fridge on it), so my wife has been running errands and such.

The other day while she was gassing up one of our vehicles (I hoped ahead of increases) she watched the price go up $.50 a gallon on the street display AS she was pumping gas.

Price increases on top of price increases because of tariffs will PO even MAGAts, who'll have no Dems to blame.

#10 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-05 07:20 PM

... Trump Administration Panicking Over Spikes in Gas Prices ...

Spikes that they have caused?


Again, not taking responsibility for their actions.

#11 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-05 07:26 PM

 

Brent crude oil up 24% in the last month.

What effect might that have upon prices at the pump?



#12 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-05 07:33 PM

What effect might that have upon prices at the pump?

Lewzer doesn't care. He's unlikely to have ever filled a gas tank in his life.

On the on the other hand, high oil prices might encourage producers to "drill, baby, drill" on some of those unused US oil leases. He'd like to brag about that.

#13 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-05 07:59 PM

Here's an idea, stop starting wars against other countries.
Just a thought.

#14 | Posted by a_monson at 2026-03-05 07:59 PM

@#13 ... On the on the other hand, high oil prices might encourage producers to "drill, baby, drill" on some of those unused US oil leases. He'd like to brag about that. ...

Energy Dominance Won't Stop US Fuel Costs Pushing Higher
energynow.com

... Being the world's No. 1 driller isn't enough to shield the country from the effects of the war.

Average gasoline prices jumped to $3.25 a gallon on Wednesday, according to data from the American Automobile Association -- up by 25 cents this week.

Diesel, often referred to as a workhorse of the global economy because of its wide use in freight, power and heating, has soared almost 30% since the conflict began, outpacing gains in crude oil.

Any increase is unwelcome news for President Donald Trump, who has consistently touted lower pump prices as a measure of his success. ...


#15 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-05 08:07 PM

Kingston Trio - Desert Pete (1963)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
I was travelin' West of Buckskin on my way to a cattle run, 'cross a little cactus desert under a hard bargaining sun.

Thirsty down to my toenails, I stopped to rest me on a stump, but I tell you I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump.

I took it to be a mirage at first. It'll fool a thirsty man. Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can.

"This pump is old," the note began, "but she works. So give'er a try. I put a new sucker washer in 'er. You may find the leather dry

You've got to prime the pump.

You must have faith and believe. You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive

Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet.

Leave the bottle full for others.

Thank you kindly, Desert Pete
...


#16 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-05 08:13 PM

Why American Frackers Aren't Rushing to Pump More Oil
www.wsj.com

... The Middle East is on the cusp of a prolonged conflict that could push oil prices to heights not seen in four years. For now, American drillers are sitting this one out.

The U.S. oil benchmark settled at $74.56 a barrel Tuesday, a threshold not breached since last June, when American bombers dropped bunker-busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites. But to West Texas oilmen, it makes little sense to add expensive rigs and boost production when the war could be short-lived and crude prices drop. What they don't want is to add to an already big glut and waste their last few sweet spots. ...


#17 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-05 08:28 PM

Peter, Paul and Mary - Puff, the Magic Dragon (1963)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
"Puff the Magic Dragon" by Leonard Lipton (lyrics) and Peter Yarrow (music) appears on the 1963 Peter, Paul and Mary album, 'Moving.'

An urban myth soon arose that the song was about drugs.

It's really a backward look at childhood, and all that was left behind.

[Verse 1]
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff

[Chorus]
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee

[Verse 2]
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout, perched on Puff's gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name

[Chorus]
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee

[Verse 3]
A dragon lives forever, but not so, little boys
Painted wings and giants' rings make way for other toys
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff, that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar

[Verse 4]
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane
Without his lifelong friend, Puff could not be brave
So Puff, that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave
...


#18 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-05 08:37 PM

Mmmm, that's good Central Planning!

#19 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-05 08:47 PM

Comments on FB say they're proud to pay more for gas to help free the Iranians. You can't make this stuff up!

#20 | Posted by TFDNihilist at 2026-03-06 01:27 AM

Comments on FB say they're proud to pay more for gas to help free the Iranians. You can't make this stuff up!

#20 | Postedi by TFDNihilist

I wonder who told them that? Probably started by some MAGA incel in Bumf**k, Nebraska, posting in his underwear.

#21 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-06 01:45 AM

Gee I wonder why?
Death and destruction for all, And more than 1/3 of this nation still thinks this guy hangs the moon,
You haven't suffered enough yet I guess,
We are all screwed

#22 | Posted by gypsydiane8177 at 2026-03-06 07:28 AM

*** Oligarch Dummkopf Trumpf Shrugs on Rising Gas Prices for Everyday Americans: "If they rise, they rise."

Source: www.reuters.com

On 5 Tuesday 5 Nov 2024, another day that will live in infamy, 76,535,898 morons voted for a warmongering silver-spooned golf cheat and sexual predator who doesn't give one cent about the financial problems facing hardworking Americans.

#23 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-06 07:49 AM

Up twenty cents a gallon in two days.

They deserve to be panicking.

They did this all on their own. Because Bibi has the videos of Pedo47 raping children.

This incompetent administration thought they could do this with zero retribution from Iran. They kicked the hornets nest and are now getting stung.

They have no plan to evacuate Americans and their message was "Get out. You're on your own."
They had no plan to deal with counter strikes and are now afraid they'll run out of defense systems munitions.
They have no plan of who to install if they actually get Iran to surrender.
I am sure they have no plan on how to deal with the guaranteed insurgency against whatever puppet regime they install.

And as usual the talking pinheads who were up in arms over the problems Biden was handed in evacuating Afghanistan are silent over the botched evacuation of the middle east by these incompetent dullards.

So their plan now is to eliminate the federal gas tax that is earmarked for highway maintenance. At 18.4 cents per gallon, it is still not enough to offset the price increase ------- has caused.

#24 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-03-06 08:39 AM

My local station was $2.59 Tuesday night.

Last night I drove by and it's now $2.99.

I'm betting it'll be over $3.00 by end of Monday, if not sooner.

I'm starting to think we can assume the levels of corruption and graft going on quietly by people like Wiles must be massive to make it worth putting up with someone like Trump. I'm sure they're charging a hefty premium when they put their hand in our national treasury cookie jar so long as they spend their days stamping out the fires caused by the impulsive stupidity of a moron like Trump.

#25 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-06 10:29 AM

Now you're worried about gas prices LOL. STFU you phony -----.

#26 | Posted by fortfisher at 2026-03-06 10:58 AM

-Comments on FB say they're proud to pay more for gas to help free the Iranians.

partisanship is more significant than anything.

#27 | Posted by eberly at 2026-03-06 10:58 AM

What can they possibly do to reduce gas prices?

other than to reduce their own cut from a gallon of gas....what else can the government do to lower gas prices?

#28 | Posted by eberly at 2026-03-06 11:00 AM

"Trump Administration Panicking over Spikes in Gas Prices"
What did they think was going to happen when the started a war in the oil Gulf states? Talk about a lack of critical thought process.

#29 | Posted by Wildman62 at 2026-03-06 11:04 AM

Now you're worried about gas prices LOL. STFU you phony -----.

#26 | Posted by fortfisher

When were gas prices not a topic of political concern?

And when did Trump say he would lower them immediately and why are they still claiming energy prices are down when they are up across the board? Gas/oil prices rising are the tail end of the energy price hikes people have been bombed with the last six months or so.

As usual, you're a f*&^ing idiot offering nothing.

#30 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-06 11:20 AM

other than to reduce their own cut from a gallon of gas....what else can the government do to lower gas prices?
#28 | Posted by eberly

Reducing taxes for state and local level, sure.

For Trump? The guy who claimed energy prices would plummet by his being elected and life would be good again? Maybe not starting foreign conflicts that have the potential to completely disrupt the global oil markets?

Just a thought.

#31 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-06 11:21 AM

"What can they possibly do to reduce gas prices?"

Not start a war.

#32 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-06 11:24 AM

Does the US produce enough oil to support our own usage? Why is US oil not first used in the US and the 'extra' sold on the world market? I will admit to a lack of any knowledge in this realm, it is not something I cared to dig into and even when I hear things in passing tends to go out the other ear. Are we not able to refine the oil we drill?

#33 | Posted by justagirl_idaho at 2026-03-06 11:28 AM

Does the US produce enough oil to support our own usage?

Not even close.

#34 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-06 11:50 AM

What can they possibly do to reduce gas prices?
other than to reduce their own cut from a gallon of gas....what else can the government do to lower gas prices?
#28 | Posted by eberly

Release from the strategic reserve.

Not advocating for that. Strategic reserves are currently at a historically low level, so it would probably actually be a bad idea. Just listing options.

#35 | Posted by gtbritishskull at 2026-03-06 12:26 PM

"What can they possibly do to reduce gas prices?"

Nationalize the oil industry and stop exporting it until domestic needs are met.

There's all kinds of ways the government could lower energy costs.

The fact that you even to ask the question demonstrates Republicans have no idea how the economy works.

#36 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-06 12:28 PM

Does the US produce enough oil to support our own usage? Why is US oil not first used in the US and the 'extra' sold on the world market?
#33 | Posted by justagirl_idaho

The US does not produce oil.
ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, etc. produce and own American oil.
That's why we will never be energy independent, despite being a net exporter of oil.

It's not our oil.
Republicans can't have this conversation.

#37 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-06 12:31 PM

What the hell did they think was going to happen when they started a war in the ME?
#2 | POSTED BY WHATSLEFT

All the "best and brightest" Trump surrounds himself with told him if they do a surgical strike on Iran, at the behest of Netanyahu, then Iran would surrender immediately, there would be no war.

They didn't plan beyond that and have been scrambling to figure out how to save face ever since.

Netanyahu is America's biggest enemy.

#38 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-06 12:36 PM

-Release from the strategic reserve.

thought about that after I posted that question. Good point.

Not sure impactful it is but it's something.

This is in no way any defense for this Iran conflict but we can't let oil prices keep us from taking action when it's in our National interest to do so.

I certainly hope nobody who considers global warming to be a significant issue is complaining about gas prices going up. They believe gas prices are massively too low already. LOL

Will any of our refineries see any reduction in their supply of crude?

Oil cracks me up...........

#39 | Posted by eberly at 2026-03-06 12:39 PM

Why is US oil not first used in the US and the 'extra' sold on the world market?

#33 | Posted by justagirl_idaho

Becuase we have a free market economy. Oil gets sold to the highest bidder, so if another country is willing to pay more for it, it will get sold to them, driving the price up locally.

The US is now a net exporter of oil. Though I am not sure we have the cross country infrastructure to actually transport all of the oil we have from the places it is produced to the places where it is needed.

The way to actually reduce the price in the way you are suggesting is to restrict or ban exports. You force an increase of supply in the US, driving down prices.

But, if you do allow the 'extra' to be sold on the world market, how do you choose? Which oil companies get screwed over selling on the local market with depressed prices, and how do you choose which ones are the 'winners' which get to reap the high profits the non-fascist/non-goverment controlled prices on the international market?

I guess the other thing he could do would be to put a high export tariff on oil. That should also force more oil supply to stay local, as well fixing the problem of picking winners and losers. The only winner would be the US government.

#40 | Posted by gtbritishskull at 2026-03-06 12:40 PM

Release from the strategic reserve.

Not advocating for that. Strategic reserves are currently at a historically low level, so it would probably actually be a bad idea. Just listing options.

#35 | Posted by gtbritishskull

A number of countries only have 2 weeks to a month of gas and natural gas for autos, airliners, and electricity generation.

#41 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-06 12:42 PM

Adam Mockler
@adammocklerr

4h
Holy ----, catastrophic morning for Trump:

> Oil prices surge as the Strait of Hormuz slows to a halt
> 92,000 jobs unexpectedly lost in February
> Market shock as a result of prior points
> Easing sanctions on Russian oil ...
> only to learn that Russia is helping fund Iran

#42 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-03-06 12:46 PM

#40 | Posted by gtbritishskull
Thank you, that makes a lot of sense and it also sounds like there are things we could do to even the playing field.

#37 | Posted by snoofy
I do understand that the oil is technically owned by the company that drills it but there should be something we can do regarding our natural resources before the company is allowed to pull it from the earth.

#43 | Posted by justagirl_idaho at 2026-03-06 01:19 PM

but there should be something we can do regarding our natural resources

That's what Venezuela did.

#44 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-06 01:22 PM

"I certainly hope nobody who considers global warming to be a significant issue is complaining about gas prices going up."

And no complaints about genocide either.
Less people, less manamde global warming.

If you oppose genocide, it means you don't really care about global warming.

#45 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-06 01:25 PM

Oil ppb has gone from December 2025 low of ~$57.00 to a current ~$89.00 and rising.

Yet the ------ in this administration will stand there and say with a straight face that they've made things "more affordable."

#46 | Posted by jpw at 2026-03-06 01:27 PM

"Becuase we have a free market economy."

Not really.
Not for oil.
Oil is about a third undee control of the OPEC Cartel.
That is the opposite of a free market economy.

We buy and sell oil, but it's not correct to call it a free market.

Furthermore, the largest oil companies in the world are state run, or at least partially state owned.

#47 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-06 01:35 PM

*** Canada PM John Carney Can't Rule Out Military Involvement Against Iran ***

"Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday any future Canadian military participation against Iran relies on a "fundamental hypothetical" in which the conflict spreads even more widely. He said Canada currently has no participation in the strikes against Iran's regime but said Ottawa "will always defend Canadians" and "defend our allies."

~snip~

As French President Emmanuel Macron fell into Benjamin Netanyahu and Dummkopf Trumpf's trap by sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East (unlike Spain), PM Carney may unnecessarily stumble into a needless war.

Last year PM Carney recognized the State of Palestine and quickly interwove Canada into the Re-Arm Europe to defend Ukraine and bypass Trumpf, but now he is in danger of stepping on a landmine for his country because of two warmongering baboons.

Sidenote: PM Carney recently spoke to King Abdullah II of Jordan to thank him for helping to protect Canadians stuck there.

Source: www.baltimoresun.com

#48 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-06 01:46 PM

To be fair, France is protecting Cyprus, not attacking Iran

#49 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-06 06:00 PM

Yeah. Gas prices here in SoCal are skyrocketing upward. Still, ---- Khameini. I am glad that mass murdering theofascist is gone.

#50 | Posted by moder8 at 2026-03-06 06:04 PM

Is Netanyahu a "Theofascist or just a NihloFascist?

Doesn't having Principles, however unfamiliar, make someone less Odious and Disgusting than pure Malice and Naked Self Interest?

Khamenei was a far less Evil Man than Netanyahu or Trump and I say that As No Muslim or even Religious Person.

Trumpband Netanyahu Worship Themselves, they are Obscene and Evil like Hitler himself.

Right down to Aggressive Wars and Genocide.

I hope Iran Thrashes them.

#51 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-03-06 09:11 PM

Moder8 never passed the bar. Any bar. At any time

#52 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-06 09:20 PM

Gas Prices Surge 14% in a Week

politicalwire.com

The loathsome orange chomo did that.

#53 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-03-07 09:49 AM

Gas prices are up an average of $.40 a gallon from last week around here.

#54 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-07 11:30 AM

"That is the opposite of a free market economy."

That's "out there". They can control how much oil they pump. They are free to do that. They are free to control what they can control for the good of their own countries ( unless colonial powers step in).

In "here" we are free to sell our oil to the highest bidder in that market. But we can't control that market as we don't produce enough oil to do that.

What is good for America or Americans has nothing to do with it.

Profit is what drives the market here.

#55 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-03-07 12:23 PM

Gas prices are up an average of $.40 a gallon from last week

Up about $0.18 here...

#56 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-07 12:37 PM

#56 | Posted by REDIAL

I wish Canada would absorb the U.S., you lucky ducks :-)

#57 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-07 01:01 PM

Spikes... Pikers

CA is regulating refineries out of the State.

There's 15 tankers sitting in the bay.

We were paying $5.50/gl poor people stay home!

I wish Canada would absorb the U.S., you lucky ducks :-)
#57 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

Hilarious, there's two provinces voting to leave Canada.

#58 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-03-07 01:22 PM

@#54 ... Gas prices are up an average of $.40 a gallon from last week around here. ...

The price of Brent Crude (BF=Z) is up around 50% since the beginning of the year.

$60.75 on January 2, 2026
$92.69 on March 6, 2026


#59 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-07 01:48 PM

Chart showing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since September 2025 ...

Iran war disrupts global energy exports
www.reuters.com

#60 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-07 01:50 PM

CA is regulating refineries out of the State.

No, they aren't.

There's 15 tankers sitting in the bay.

There usually are. Just like the Port of Long Beach and other west coast ports of call for oil tankers.

We were paying $5.50/gl poor people stay home!

You should go back where your money goes further. No shortage of people looking to move to California. Been the same since I lived there.

I wish Canada would absorb the U.S., you lucky ducks :-)
#57 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY

Hilarious, there's two provinces voting to leave Canada.

Posted by oneironaut

That's been going on for decades. What else ya got?

#61 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2026-03-07 02:03 PM

Posted by oneironaut

That's been going on for decades. What else ya got?

#61 | POSTED BY AMERICANUNITY

No worries. Commie Spyboy is full of it. So he still has plenty of it.

#62 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-03-07 03:00 PM

He's a ------- drooling imbecile

#63 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-07 07:56 PM

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