Alaska’s soaring fuel and grocery costs become flashpoint in Senate race

Alaska’s soaring costs for fuel and everyday goods have become a major issue in the closely watched Senate race between Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola. Peltola has used striking examples from rural shops to criticise Sullivan and link high prices to President Trump’s policies, while Sullivan has blamed the Biden administration and promoted plans to expand Alaska’s energy supply.

In Shungnak, regular petrol was reported at $26.82 a gallon after rising from $13.99; a rural shop also listed paper towels at $40.99, paper plates at $53.99 and laundry pods at $50.49. State grocery costs are nearly 24 per cent above the US average, while diesel prices rose more than 61 per cent and regular petrol nearly 30 per cent over the past year, according to figures cited in the article. Both candidates backed Trump’s proposed 800-mile gas pipeline during their final debate; Sullivan also pointed to an energy task force and help for low-income households.