Pain at the pump is not just a problem for higher-cost blue states like California.
The top seven states experiencing the biggest gas price hikes over the past month are all ones that President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election, according to AAA data reviewed by CNN.
The average price for a gallon of regular gas has spiked over the past month by the most in these states: – Utah: +$1.46 – Arizona: +$1.37 – Florida: +$1.35 – Idaho: + $1.30 – Kentucky: +$1.27 – Nevada: +$1.24 – Tennessee: +$1.23
By comparison, the national average for regular gas has increased by $1.08 a gallon over that span to $4.08 a gallon, according to AAA.
That’s not to say those Trump states are paying the most for fuel.
The highest gas prices are still in reliably blue states, including California ($5.89 per gallon), Hawaii ($5.55), Washington ($5.37) and Oregon ($4.97), AAA has found.
A CNN poll released Wednesday showed that 76% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of gas prices.
Looking ahead to a big US travel weekend: Time is running out to prevent significant pain at the pump when summer driving season kicks off late next month.
Bob Yawger, commodity specialist at Mizuho Securities, cautions that if the timeline to resolve the energy crisis gets further delayed, gas prices could be flirting with $4.50 or even $5 per gallon this Memorial Day.
Many Americans hit the road during the long holiday weekend, which is May 22 through May 25 this year.
“You can’t go into Memorial Day weekend with $5 gas. That’s a political suicide mission,” Yawger said.
This post has been updated to note potential Memorial Day gas prices.
