PAIN AT THE PUMP: Tracking the Biden Oil Crisis

Democrats blame Russia, urge ordinary Americans to buy a Tesla like AOC

Andrew Stiles • March 9, 2022 4:00 pm

Gas prices are surging to record levels on President Joe Biden’s watch, wreaking havoc on American pocketbooks. According to the AAA national average, one gallon of regular unleaded gasoline cost $4.25 as of March 9—surpassing the previous all-time high of $4.11 in July 2008. When Biden took office, the average price per gallon was just $2.39.

Democrats have responded by urging ordinary Americans to become Tesla owners like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), whose Model 3 Long Range has a retail price of between $46,000 and $59,000. Former comedian Stephen Colbert (estimated net worth: $75 million) said it was “important” for Americans to pay more for gas. “I’m willing to pay $4 a gallon,” he said. “Hell, I’ll pay $15 a gallon because I drive a Tesla.”

Biden supporters have also tried to blame Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the rise in gas prices, but Democrats and left-wing activists have been working for years to ensure that prices remain high in an effort to make subsidized “green” energy sources more competitive on the open market. These efforts include banning oil production on federal land and pressuring oil companies to produce less oil.