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Governor Kathy Hochul is urging the federal government to take action to alleviate the rising gas prices affecting New Yorkers. Since the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran, gas prices in New York have surged by about 62 cents per gallon. Hochul attributes the increase to President Trump and Republicans, while proposing state-level measures to reduce utility costs.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism that gas prices could fall below $3 per gallon by summer, anticipating the war with Iran will conclude in a few weeks. Wright told NBC News that the U.S. aims to "remove the risk" of Iran's threat to global energy supplies.
The conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passageway, causing global oil prices to soar. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about rising gas prices, predicting they will eventually drop below previous lows. He urged international cooperation to secure the strait, which Iran has vowed to keep closed until U.S. and Israeli strikes cease.
The Trump administration faces criticism for not adequately planning for the strait's closure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer questioned the administration's foresight, while Wright defended their preparedness, citing meticulous planning by military officials.
Despite the challenges, Wright remains hopeful that gas prices will decrease once the conflict ends. He stated that the current situation represents "short-term pain" for long-term geopolitical change.