Trump: Ukraine, not Hormuz, is currently causing fuel price hikes

Washington, Oct 5 (KUNA) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the current rise in fuel prices is due to Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, not tensions with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “The Strait of Hormuz is no longer the reason for the current rise in gasoline prices, as record quantities of oil barrels are passing through almost daily.” He added that “the problem of rising prices stems from Ukraine’s targeting and destruction of Russian oil refineries.” Trump also placed part of the blame on Democratic-controlled U.S. states, including California, describing their leaders as “fools” for continuing to shut down oil refineries in their states, which has contributed to a reduction in domestic fuel production. Oil, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prices have risen since the start of military operations against Iran on February 28, increasing pressure on President Trump to address rising fuel costs ahead of the midterm elections in November, which could determine which party controls the House of Representatives. (End) A.M.M. / H.S.S.