In the middle of March, The Floridian wrote multiple stories on the rising gas prices, inflation, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and how all three are intertwined. Some politicians, some experts, and statistics themselves tried to warn us about the devastating effects that would occur in the weeks to come. But it appears our statesmen and stateswomen did not listen.
“a sharp spike in oil prices may portend a recession,” said Vivekanand Jayakumar, the associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa.
“You can’t win an energy war if you shut down your own energy sector," said Rep. Mark Green (R-TN).
“Energy prices were already high, largely because of President Biden (D) moved to restrict domestic production on his first day in office. We now produce 1.2 million less barrels of oil per day. Not only does that drive energy costs higher for Americans, but it leaves us more reliant on foreign producers like Russia.” Said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL). He would go on to mention, “Americans are already starting to pay for that. We need to jumpstart domestic production and cut off our dependence on Russia,” said the Senator.
The warning signs were out there.
Now, gas is at the highest it’s ever been nationwide. According to AAA, The June 1st $4.671 national price is the highest cost of gas per gallon in history. In just one day, the national average went up 5 cents. In just one month, it went up 50 cents. In just one year, it went up $1.63 cents roughly.
But perhaps the scariest part about it is, there is no end in sight.
Some politicians have found different reasons for the price hike. For instance, on March 13th, Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) attempted to make the case in a tweet that the real culprit of the high gas prices were the oil companies themselves.
One reason for higher gas prices? Companies export gas that could be used here. I’ve asked the administration to limit oil and gas exports to further reduce costs for families.
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) March 13, 2022
“One reason for higher gas prices? Companies export gas that could be used here. I’ve asked the administration to limit oil and gas exports to further reduce cost for families," stated Rep. Demings.
Republicans have insisted from the beginning that it is and always has been Joe Biden’s fault that inflation is at the level it is in.
No matter what you believe, one thing for certain is, the United States was ill-equipped for a national security threat such as this, and it could be an even more serious problem down the road if prices continue to soar.
