GOP loss culprit? Trump dismal approval ratings track gas prices almost 1-for-1

Rising petrol prices have closely tracked a decline in Donald Trump’s net approval rating since global energy disruption began with the war in Iran at the end of February. The article says the relationship may have hurt Republicans in the midterm elections, as fuel costs became a prominent concern for voters.

From February to November, petrol prices rose from about $3.02 a gallon in early March to $4.49 in mid-May, while Trump’s net approval fell from -6 a month earlier to -17.50. Prices eased after a June ceasefire and approval ticked up, before prices climbed to $4.48 in September as approval dropped to around -20.90. The Strait of Hormuz disruptions and reduced global refining capacity contributed to higher costs; on Wednesday, average US petrol was $4.12 a gallon and diesel $6.27. EIA figures also showed Trump’s second-term average petrol price had exceeded $3.46 a gallon, narrowly above Joe Biden’s $3.457.