‘Trump is an idiot’: Californians fume over soaring petrol prices
Petrol prices in the US have reached their highest level since early 2022 due to disrupted oil supplies following military actions by the US and Israel against Iran. Californians are expressing anger over rising fuel costs, with many blaming President Donald Trump for the economic strain. The conflict has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, exacerbating global supply concerns and increasing living expenses for residents.
- ▪Pump prices in the US rose to their highest level since early 2022 after US and Israeli attacks on Iran disrupted oil supplies.
- ▪The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has restricted global oil and gas transport, contributing to soaring fuel prices.
- ▪California's petrol prices surpassed $1.59 per litre, up from around $1.20 before the conflict, increasing financial pressure on residents.
- ▪Some Californians, including Trump voters, blame oil companies and environmental regulations as contributing factors to high fuel costs.
- ▪Retirees and low-income individuals report cutting back on driving and relying more on food banks due to rising living expenses.
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‘Trump is an idiot’: Californians fume over soaring petrol pricesSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThis week, pump prices in the US climbed to their highest level since early 2022, when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine triggered a global surge in the cost of oil.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 02, 2026, 11:55 AMUpdated May 02, 2026, 11:55 AMLOS ANGELES – At a petrol station in Los Angeles, Mr Ryder Thomas wore a grimace of barely suppressed anger as he filled his pickup truck, watching the cost tick up to US$130 (S$165.50) for a full tank – US$30 more than he was paying before the US and Israel attacked Iran.“I’m mad about the price, but I’m even madder about why it’s so high,” the 28-year-old told AFP.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.