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WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is expected to meet with US refiners and fuel retailers next week to highlight efforts to lower gasoline prices, as his administration seeks to ease pressure on consumers from the Iran war ahead of November’s congressional midterm elections, people familiar with the matter said.
The political stakes are high for Trump and his fellow Republicans, who are trying to defend narrow majorities in Congress in November. The war with Iran has become increasingly unpopular, while higher gasoline prices threaten to undercut Trump’s 2024 campaign promise to bring down the cost of living.
Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33pc, with just 31pc of Americans approving of the conflict.
Attendees of the meeting are expected to include refiners like Valero Energy Corp, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and PBF Energy Inc, along with major retailers, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
