Trump’s reported explanation for rising gasoline prices was that refinery problems—not the Strait of Hormuz—were driving them. But the latest official figures show the size of the price increase, not proof of that single cause: the U.S. average was $4.354 per gallon for the week of October 5, 2026, while EIA’s market analysis points to pressure from crude oil, refined-product supply and refinery margins.
What Trump said was driving gasoline prices
The Daily Beast reported on October 5, 2026, that Trump wrote on Truth Social that gasoline prices were no longer being driven by the Strait of Hormuz because, he claimed, record numbers of barrels were coming out almost daily. He instead pointed to refineries, citing Russian facilities struck by Ukraine and refineries closing in California.
The outlet printed his statement as: “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,’ where Russia’s are being blown up by Ukraine, and where ours are being closed up, in Blue States, like California, by the Dumocrats,” The Daily Beast’s report is the source for the wording; the original post was not independently located.
What gasoline cost in the latest EIA weekly data
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s weekly series, published October 6, put regular gasoline at an average of $4.354 per gallon for the week of October 5. That was 11.1 cents below the previous week, but $1.230 above the same period a year earlier. These are weekly averages, not live prices at individual stations.
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- Compatibility Note: For further confirmation of specific model compatibility, refer to the vehicle owner's manual or contact a professional technician. Excludes Fo/rd, K/I/A, Bo/s/ch, C/I/S Je/tro/nic, G//M Th/rot/tle Bo/dy Systems, A/cu/ra, J/ee/p, B/M/W, Ni/s/san, and To/yo/ta fuel systems. Not compatible with small/non/standard S/chra/der vallves, high/pre/ssure direct in/ject/ed engines, or die//sel injection pumps. Verify your vehicle’s vallve size and pressure specs before purchase
- Wide Compatibility: This fuel pressure tester kit comes with multiple adapters for most gasoline engines in trucks, cars, motorcycles and RVs. But not compatible with diesel high - pressure injection pumps or direct injection engines
- Accurate Testing: The fuel pressure tester features high - precision sensors for accurate measurement of fuel system pressure changes. Measures range 0-140PSI/ 0-10bar dual color coded scale to diagnose fuel supply and injection issues
- Multipurpose Use: The 8 inches hose fits all M6 fuel pressure test ports. The 15 inches hose connects snugly to any 1/4" standard schrader valve. The M8, M10, M12, and M14 adapters make sure this tool kit can be used on most cars and vehicles
- Corrosion Resistance: Crafted from high - strength materials, the fuel pressure tester offers excellent corrosion and impact resistance. It ensures long - term stability and reliability even in harsh working conditions
| Area | Regular gasoline, per gallon | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $4.354 | Weekly average, week of October 5, 2026 |
| California | $6.227 | Weekly average, week of October 5, 2026 |
| Texas | $3.874 | Weekly average, week of October 5, 2026 |
The state gap is substantial, but those figures alone do not show why prices differ or establish how much California refinery closures contributed to the national average. The Daily Beast rounded the national price to $4.37; EIA’s $4.354 is the more precise weekly benchmark. See the EIA weekly gasoline price series.
What EIA says about market pressures
EIA’s October 5 analysis described rising crude and petroleum-product prices in the third quarter of 2026 amid persistent conflict in the Middle East. Brent crude futures rose after military strikes resumed on July 7. Crude oil is a major input cost for gasoline, so changes in global oil markets can affect pump prices, alongside the cost and availability of refined products.
Rank #2
- Universal Design: The included adapters, hoses and fittings cover most fuel injection systems and Gas Engine Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks, SUVs, ATVs, UTVs, RVs. (Does not compatible with Bosch, CIS Jetronic, TB System on GM vehicles, 2012 Dodge 5.7L, 1999 GNMC Sonoma 4.3). Please verify your vehicle's vallve size and pressure specs before purchase
- Ideal For Mechanics: Fuel Injection Pump Pressure / Oil Combustion Spraying Pressure Gauge Teste
- Durable: Designed for repeated use with high quality materials
- Convenient and Safe Design: Fuel pressure tester with a quick release valve button could offer single-handed operation inflation and deflation
- Measuring Range: 0-140psi (0-10 bar)
Refineries were operating heavily, but margins were elevated
U.S. refineries averaged 95% utilization in the third quarter, processing more crude oil than in any third quarter since 2019—even though refining capacity was 4% higher in 2019. EIA also reported elevated refinery margins for gasoline and other fuels. Those facts show a market with strong refinery use and costly product margins; they do not establish that refinery closures in one state caused the national price level.
Several parts of the fuel market matter
- Crude oil: Global supply expectations and geopolitical conflict influence the cost of feedstock used to make gasoline.
- Refining: Refinery capacity, operations and margins affect how much gasoline is produced and the cost of turning crude into fuel.
- Regional supply and distribution: Local availability and the movement of fuel can contribute to differences between state averages.
- Local conditions: The spread between California and Texas prices shows that a national average does not describe what drivers pay everywhere.
EIA’s figures give context for a refinery-related explanation, but they do not quantify the national price effect of specific California closures or independently verify Trump’s claim about the volume of barrels moving through the Strait of Hormuz. A March 2026 CNN transcript quoted analyst Patrick De Haan discussing the strait and oil flows as central concerns at that earlier point; that dated comment does not establish October shipping conditions.
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Rank #3
- ACCURATE DUAL-SCALE GAUGE: Features a shock-resistant dry gauge with built-in damping mechanism, providing clear 0–140 PSI and 0–10 BAR dual scales for precise fuel system diagnostics
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Built with OEM-grade brass, aluminum, and steel components for long-lasting performance in tough environments
- COMPLETE ADAPTER SET: Includes 8 adapters (M6 to M14) and two hoses with quick-release valve for easy and safe testing on various fuel ports
- USER-FRIENDLY & SAFE: Comes with relief valve and drain hose for safe fuel recovery; always follow included safety guidelines for optimal use
- COMPATIBILITY NOTICE: This tester fits most gasoline engines in vehicles. But it will NOT FIT vehicles with Bosch, CIS Jetronic, GM TBI, or Direct Injection systems. Check Your Model as it may not fit certain Ford, KIA, Acura, Jeep, BMW, Nissan, and Toyota models that use small or non-standard Schrader valves. We strongly recommend verifying your vehicle's specifications to guarantee a perfect fit.
What EIA expected prices to do next
In its October 2026 outlook, EIA forecast gasoline prices to be about the same in October as in September, then to decline gradually alongside crude oil prices. That was a forecast at the time of publication, not a guarantee or a report of what prices ultimately did. The EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook is updated regularly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brass and Stainless Steel wetted parts for measuring non-corrosive liquid pressure. Such as water, oil, fuel pressure test. Compatible with fuel pressure regulator, inline fuel pressure tester and etc.
- Black circular dial is enclosed in a 304 stainless steel case for corrosion resistance. Liquid filled inhibits pointer flutter and prevents damage to the internal mechanics from vibration and pulsation.
- Freeze Resistant: Silicone oil ensures long-term work in low temperature(-40~140℉/-40~60℃) and suits for most outdoor conditions and seasons.
- Measures pressure with single scale (0-15 Psi). Display accuracy is + or - 3/2/3% over the entire range of the gauge.
- IP67 waterproof prevent condensation inside caused fogging of the window. Offer clear reading.
Rank #4
- Brass and Stainless Steel wetted parts for measuring non-corrosive liquid pressure. Such as water, oil, fuel pressure test. Compatible with fuel pressure regulator, inline fuel pressure tester and etc.
- Black circular dial is enclosed in a 304 stainless steel case for corrosion resistance. Glycerin filled inhibits pointer flutter and prevents damage to the internal mechanics from vibration and pulsation.
- Measures pressure with single scale (0-100 psi). Display accuracy is + or - 3/2/3% over the entire range of the gauge.
- IP67 waterproof prevent condensation inside caused fogging of the window. Offer clear reading.
- Back mount male connection with 1/8" NPT thread.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
