Why is President Trump meeting with U.S. refiners and fuel retailers amid the Iran war?

President Trump is meeting with U.S. refiners and fuel retailers to highlight efforts to lower gasoline prices, as his administration seeks to ease consumer pressure from rising fuel costs driven by the Iran war ahead of the November congressional midterm elections.

How has the Iran war affected U.S. gasoline prices and political sentiment ahead of the midterms?

The Iran war has disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of the world’s oil flowed before the conflict began on February 28—pushing U.S. regular gasoline above $4 a gallon, roughly $1 more than a year ago; this price surge has contributed to declining public approval, with only 31% of Americans approving of the conflict and Trump’s overall approval rating falling to 33%, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.

Trump to Meet Refiners, Fuel Retailers as Iran War Boosts Gas Prices Ahead of Midterms, Sources Say

Aug 27, 2026

President Trump plans to meet U.S. refiners and retailers to lower gasoline prices amid the Iran conflict. Administration seeks to ease consumer pressure before midterms as oil disruptions tighten global energy supplies.

reuters

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