Gas Price Burden Heavier in Republican Districts, Analysis Finds
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A Brookings Institution analysis shows constituents of Republican House members drive 26% more miles on average than those in Democratic districts, making them more sensitive to fuel costs. With the national average gas price at $4.23 per gallon, a $1 increase adds about $70 per month to median-earning, two-driver household budgets. Lower-income households spend a larger share of their income on gasoline, though spending as a share of income remains below historical highs.
Facts First
- Constituents of Republican House members drive 26% more miles on average than those in Democratic districts.
- The national average gas price is $4.23 per gallon, about $1.25 higher than when the war started.
- A $1 increase in gas costs adds about $70 per month to median-earning, two-driver household fuel spending.
- Lower-income households spend a larger share of income on gas, with the lowest quintile spending 10.3% of pre-tax income.
- Gasoline's share of consumer expenses is below the 5% levels reached in 2008, 2011, and 2012.
What Happened
A Brookings Institution analysis finds the average constituent of a Republican House member drives 26% more miles than the average constituent of a Democratic House member. On Wednesday, the average price for regular gasoline in the U.S. was $4.23 per gallon, approximately $1.25 higher than when the war started. Gas prices in Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania were above the national average. A number of states with the lowest gasoline prices tend to be Republican-leaning.
Why this Matters to You
If you drive more, higher gas prices will have a larger impact on your monthly budget. According to Brookings, a $1 increase in the average cost of gasoline results in median-earning, two-driver households spending $70 more per month on fuel. The burden is heavier for lower-income households; in 2024, households in the lowest-earning income quintile... spent 10.3% of their total pre-tax income on gasoline, while those in the second-lowest quintile spent 5.2%. Your location may also affect your costs, as prices vary by state.
What's Next
Gasoline spending as a share of income remains below historical highs, according to a Bank of America analysis. Gasoline's share of consumer expenses was higher in 2022 than current levels and is below the 5% levels reached in 2008, 2011, and 2012. Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted that gasoline prices are far below the peak of $5.02 per gallon reached in mid-2022. The political focus on energy costs may continue, as President Trump met with oil executives earlier this week to discuss the energy fallout of the war.