Trump Takes Aim at Gas Prices Ahead of Midterms

US President Donald Trump is set to meet with refiners and fuel retailers next week to discuss ways to lower gasoline prices, which have been driven up by the Iran war. The move comes as his administration seeks to ease pressure on consumers ahead of November's congressional midterm elections.

The meeting will include representatives from major US oil companies such as Valero Energy Corp, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and PBF Energy Inc, according to sources familiar with the plans. Trump has been critical of these companies for not doing enough to bring down costs for consumers, despite their strong second-quarter earnings.

The conflict with Iran has disrupted global energy markets, tightening supplies of gasoline and other refined products and driving up oil prices. US regular gasoline has been above $4 a gallon, roughly $1 more than a year ago, creating an economic burden for voters heading into the midterms.