Across the nation, numerous gas stations are preparing for another spike in prices. Per some analysts, dramatic fuel shortages may well lead to gasoline prices soaring past $10 per gallon.
For instance, a “76” gasoline station in Auburn, Washington commenced reprogramming its fuel pumps in order to provide sufficient room for pricing well into the double digits, per the Post Millennial.
A representative for 76 claimed that the reprogramming merely served to enhance the “functionality” of the pump.
In January 2021, prior to Biden’s ascendancy to the White House, gasoline averaged $2.41 per gallon, while some states enjoyed fuel prices well under $2 on average.
Currently, 49 out of 50 states have average gas prices of over $4 per gallon, with only Oklahoma reporting a lower figure. Nonetheless, Oklahoma still clocks in at an average of $3.98 per gallon.
In addition, six other states report average fuel prices of at least $5.04 per gallon: Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Hawaii, California, and Alaska. In Hawaii, for instance, gas prices hover just under $6 per gallon while Beverly Hills, California is experiencing fuel prices well over $7 per gallon.
Given the rate at which fuel prices have escalated in the past several months, it is not unreasonable to conclude that $10 per gallon may well be likely in states whose average prices are already rapidly zeroing in on double digit pricing.
However, $10 per gallon may be preferable to the alternative: no gasoline at all.
Across the state of Washington, specifically in the eastern region, multiple gas stations have run out of fuel, per a recent report from Post Millennial.
Specifically, in West Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, which comprise the Tri-Cities region in the state, various customers have pulled into gas stations only to find fuel completely unavailable for purchase.
A local Facebook group has also forewarned that at least ten gas stations are completely out of fuel. Moreover, while the fuel shortages primarily afflict regular unleaded and premium gas, diesel gasoline is also becoming increasingly scarce in quantity.
Curiously, the White House recently cancelled sizeable oil lease deals in the state of Alaska, which would have freed up one million acres for drilling across the state.
Representative Jim Jordan observed that the White House may be “intentionally trying to have high gas prices.”
Between rising fuel prices, alongside gargantuan prices for groceries, it is unsurprising that the United States is experiencing the highest level of inflation in forty years.