Washington:U.S. President Donald Trump has attributed the recent increase in domestic gasoline prices to Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and the closure of refineries in Democratic-led states.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump expressed his views on the matter through his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that the rise in gasoline prices is not due to issues in the Strait of Hormuz, as oil exports have been steady. Instead, he pointed to the destruction of Russian facilities by Ukrainian forces and the shutdown of refineries in Democratic-controlled states, such as California, as the main causes.

These statements come on the heels of Trump's previous warnings to Kyiv against targeting petroleum facilities. Despite these warnings, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed plans to intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries in retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukrainian military and infrastructure sites.

The national average price for regular gasoline in the U.S. has climbed to $4.37 per gallon, up from $4.15 a month ago and $3.13 at the same time last year, as reported by the American Automobile Association (AAA). This increase in fuel prices is occurring alongside Russia's extension of a temporary ban on the export of diesel, marine fuel, and gasoil until October 31.

In response to the escalating prices and instability in global energy markets, G7 leaders have agreed to release 100 million barrels from emergency oil reserves over the next four months. This development adds to the backdrop of rising gas prices, becoming a pivotal issue in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections on November 3.

Current polling suggests that the Democratic Party may gain seats in both houses of Congress, as the issue of rising gasoline prices remains a contentious topic among voters.