Higher gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices are squeezing consumers even as crude oil softens, complicating Trump's inflation-fighting narrative ahead of the midterms.
Gasoline, diesel and jet fuel prices are rising even as crude oil eases, signaling a widening pump-to-barrel spread that is pushing costs onto consumers. The divergence suggests refining and fuel-market pressures are keeping retail and end-user prices elevated despite softer crude input prices. The development is described as a hit to consumers and a setback for Trump's inflation-fighting narrative ahead of the midterms.