The White House launched 25 Freedom Fuel gas stations, all selling fuel at $3.47 per gallon.
The White House announced the initiative on July 7 with a video of customers thanking President Donald Trump for lowering gas prices on Texas. The White House told USA TODAY in an email on Tuesday, July 7 that the gas stations are located in the greater Philadelphia area.
In the video, a customer claimed that the gas station saved him money. “I thought gas was more expensive, but it’s not,” said the man, whose identity was not disclosed. “Thanks Trump for saving me some money.”
The move comes as Americans remain concerned about gas prices at the pump ahead of the November midterm elections. But the price of Freedom Gas is slightly lower than the national average.
The national average price of fuel on Tuesday, July 7 was $3.79, according to AAA data.
USA TODAY contacted the White House for additional information.
Why are gas prices so high?
Earlier this year, gas prices began rising in all 50 states, bringing the national average to nearly $5 in May. Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois saw significant increases, according to GasBuddy, a fuel industry analyst.
Gas prices are determined by the price of crude oil, which increased due to the US-Iran war, and are traded on global markets. At its peak, Brent crude rose more than 55% and reached nearly $120 a barrel.
This sharp increase was caused by shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the International Energy Agency, in 2025, about 34% of global crude oil will pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Gasoline prices began to fall in June after the United States and Iran reached a temporary agreement to end the war, effectively reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, costs at the pump are largely driven by these four components: crude oil, refining costs, distribution and marketing, and federal and state taxes.
On July 7, average gas prices in Hawaii, California, and Washington were all above $5 per gallon. Meanwhile, Indiana, Oklahoma and Texas had some of the cheapest numbers, according to AAA data.
The locations of Freedom Fuel gas stations are available on the company’s website.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach him at (email protected).
Reporting by Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY/USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect