Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden issued a public admonition to oil and gas companies on September 28, telling them not to raise gasoline prices as Hurricane Ian approaches Florida. The warning came during a conference on hunger in America, where Biden said, “Do not, let me repeat, do not use this as an excuse to raise gasoline prices or gouge the American people.”
Truckers watch fuel prices closely because even a few cents per gallon can shift freight margins and affect owner‑operator earnings. The Biden statement is a reminder that sudden price spikes can hurt both drivers and carriers, especially when weather threatens to disrupt Gulf Coast refineries. The administration’s stance also signals federal attention to potential gouging during a crisis that could cut off supply chains.
AAA data shows Florida’s statewide average gasoline price at just under $3.40 per gallon, a rise of six-tenths of a cent from a week ago. That uptick ends a 99‑day national streak of falling pump prices, the longest 14‑week decline since 2015. In June, the national average surpassed $5 per gallon, while California prices climbed to $6, driven by post‑pandemic travel demand and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that has pushed crude costs higher. Energy analysts expect the trend to continue, but the unpredictable mix of economic sentiment, war‑related supply shocks, and seasonal storms keeps forecasts uncertain.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL‑A holders, a higher pump rate translates directly into increased operating costs. Owner‑operators who pay fuel out of pocket may see their profit margins shrink unless they can pass the cost onto shippers. Fleet managers will need to reassess fuel budgets, potentially shifting routes or consolidating loads to offset the added expense. Drivers planning to cross Florida’s Gulf Coast should monitor weather updates and consider detours that avoid the most affected refineries, as any shutdown could delay deliveries and increase idle time.
Industry Reaction
While no specific carrier statements surfaced at the time of Biden’s remarks, the American Trucking Associations’ national office has historically urged carriers to keep freight rates stable during emergencies. Trucking groups emphasize that price gouging can erode public trust and invite regulatory scrutiny, especially when fuel costs rise during a hurricane. The industry watches closely for federal enforcement actions that could target unscrupulous pricing practices.
Key Points
- President Biden warned oil companies not to raise gasoline prices as Hurricane Ian threatens Florida.
- AAA reports Florida’s average pump price at just under $3.40, a 0.6‑cent rise from last week.
- A 99‑day national decline in fuel prices ended, breaking the longest 14‑week drop since 2015.
- June’s national average topped $5 per gallon, with California reaching $6, driven by post‑pandemic travel and Ukraine‑related supply shocks.
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