US President Donald Trump has said he is not concerned about rising petrol prices in the United States during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, stating that the military campaign remains his primary focus, according to Reuters.
In an interview with Reuters, Trump said the increase in fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East was not his immediate concern and expressed confidence that prices would fall once the conflict ends.
“I don’t have any concern about it,” Trump said when asked about higher prices at petrol stations.
“They’ll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit,” he told Reuters.
Global oil prices have increased since the conflict began, raising concerns about possible supply disruptions in the Middle East.
The region is a major source of oil exports, and tensions could affect shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil transport.
According to the American Automobile Association, the average price of petrol in the United States has risen by 27 cents over the past week to around $3.25 per gallon. This is approximately 15 cents higher than the price recorded a year ago.
Trump said the increase was limited.
“They haven’t risen very much,” he said in the interview with Reuters.
Trump also said he does not plan to release oil from the country’s emergency stockpile, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which is the world’s largest reserve of crude oil held for emergency situations.
He further stated that he expects oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to continue.
Meanwhile, officials at the White House are discussing possible measures to reduce fuel prices if they continue to rise.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have held discussions with oil company leaders regarding possible responses.
A White House official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, said government teams are examining measures that could help reduce prices if necessary.
Officials believe the increase in fuel prices may be temporary as the conflict continues.
