Could gas prices really drop below $2 a gallon nationwide? It’s a bold claim that’s been making waves, especially after former President Donald Trump recently reiterated this promise during his trip to Asia. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Trump insists this will happen “pretty soon,” industry experts are raising serious doubts. Is this a realistic prediction, or just wishful thinking?
As of now, the national average gas price hovers around $3.07 per gallon, with Michigan’s state average sitting slightly higher at $3.08, according to GasBuddy. To dig deeper, FOX 17 spoke with GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan, who didn’t mince words: “Two dollars nationally? That’s next to an impossibility.” De Haan explained that such low prices were only briefly seen during Trump’s first term—at the peak of the pandemic—and quickly vanished by the end of his presidency. And this is the part most people miss: the new normal for gas prices is likely to stay in the mid-$2 to low-$3 range, thanks to factors like inflation, rising property taxes, increasing property values, and higher labor costs for gas stations.
Trump’s signature mantra, “drill, baby, drill,” aimed at boosting domestic oil production, hasn’t delivered the results he promised. De Haan pointed out that oil production has remained relatively stagnant over the past 10 months, increasing by only 50,000 to 100,000 barrels per day. Here’s the kicker: policy isn’t law, and oil companies aren’t obligated to ramp up production just because a president wants them to. So, while Trump’s rhetoric may sound appealing, the reality is far more complex.
One potential game-changer? OPEC increasing its production, which has been happening almost monthly, according to De Haan. But even that might not be enough to push prices below $2 nationwide.
For context, here’s a snapshot of gas prices across West Michigan as of 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, courtesy of GasBuddy:
- Kent County: $3.16 per gallon
- Muskegon County: $3.10 per gallon
- Ottawa County: $3.06 per gallon
- Kalamazoo County: $3.22 per gallon
So, what do you think? Is Trump’s prediction a realistic goal, or a political pipe dream? Could OPEC’s actions tip the scales, or are we stuck with higher prices for the foreseeable future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
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