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Trump blames Ukrainian strikes and blue-state refinery closures, not Iran war, for gas prices

On 5 October Trump posted on Truth Social that gasoline prices are driven by Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and refinery closures in Democratic-led states, not the Strait of Hormuz. Coverage differs on whether the claim is reported plainly or challenged.

6 outlets · 2L · 2C · 2R First reported Account updated
Image: Just the News
Image: Gulf News
Image: The Independent
Image: Anadolu Agency
Image: Al Jazeera
Image: Washington Examiner

1 / 6

The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2On Monday 5 October 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that "What's driving up Gasoline is no longer the Strait of Hormuz, because Record Numbers of Barrels are coming out now on an almost daily basis, but the word, 'Refineries,'" citing Russian refineries "being blown up by Ukraine" and US ones "being closed up, in Blue States, like California." Centre · 2Outlets describe this as Trump blaming Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, and closures of refineries in Democratic-led states, rather than the war with Iran. Right · 1Just the News said Trump has repeatedly made this argument, and that it comes ahead of the November midterm elections, which Democrats are currently favoured to win.

Right · 1AAA data cited by the Washington Examiner put the average price of a gallon of unleaded at more than $4.36, down from a summer high of $4.47 but over a dollar above last year's summer average, with diesel at $6.32. Centre · 1Anadolu Agency, citing AAA, gave $4.37 a gallon, up from $4.15 a month earlier and $3.13 a year earlier, and noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had recently confirmed plans to intensify strikes on Russian oil refineries despite earlier appeals from Trump to Kyiv against targeting petroleum facilities. Centre · 1Anadolu also reported that G7 leaders had agreed to a coordinated release of 100 million barrels from emergency reserves over four months, and that Russia extended a ban on diesel and marine fuel exports until 31 October.

Left · 1The Independent questioned the claims, saying it was "not entirely clear what the president was talking about": it noted US imports of Russian oil and gas were banned in March 2022 and that American refining capacity is based largely in Republican-controlled states such as Texas and Louisiana. Left · 1The Independent also quoted Trump telling a North Carolina rally in September that higher prices were "a very inexpensive price to pay" for what the US had done against Iran, and reported that unleaded drivers pay about $67 more per month than a year ago, and diesel drivers at least $139 more, according to AAA. Right · 1The Washington Examiner reported that Trump and top aides have been focused on gas prices for months, and that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said he would make an announcement in Nebraska that evening; reports indicated he would order a Treasury review of certain diesel taxes and expand tax-exempt fuel availability for agriculture and transport.

Mixed · 2Just the News added that Trump has promised $5,000 payments to American citizens if Republicans hold both chambers of Congress; the midterms are on 3 November.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left2 outlets

Framing
Treats the post as a deflection from an unpopular Iran war ahead of the midterms, and fact-checks it.
Emphasis
Cost to households, Trump's 'inexpensive price to pay' remark, and the lack of basis for blue-state refinery claims.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention that Trump says record barrels are flowing from Hormuz or the planned diesel tax announcement.
Charged language
“somehow”“clobbered”“bizarre outburst”
For example
“President attempts to deflect blame for sky-high fuel costs as Iran war continues with no end in sight” — The Independent
“The president’s bizarre outburst” — The Independent

Centre2 outlets

Framing
Relays Trump's post as a straightforward news item, with price data and international context.
Emphasis
Ukrainian strikes, AAA price figures, G7 reserve release, Russian export ban, midterms.
Leaves out or plays down
Neither outlet tests Trump's claim about US refineries or the Iran war's effect on prices.
For example
“Trump, whose Republican Party faces losing control of Congress in next month's US midterm elections” — Gulf News
“neither of the two major political parties want to be blamed by voters” — Anadolu Agency

Right2 outlets

Framing
Reports Trump's statement largely on his terms, alongside political context and administration plans.
Emphasis
Blue-state energy policy, midterm stakes, the Nebraska announcement on diesel taxes.
Leaves out or plays down
Neither questions the accuracy of the claim or notes where US refineries are located.
Charged language
“Dumocrats”“blue states”
For example
“by the Dumocrats," he posted on Truth Social.” — Just the News
“Trump and top aides have been hyper-focused on elevated gas prices for months” — Washington Examiner