Trump Directs Justice Department to Review Oil Companies Over Gasoline Prices as Crude Costs Fall

BY MIRABEL ODETA

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has directed the U.S. Department of Justice to examine whether major oil companies are failing to pass lower crude oil costs on to consumers at the pump.

In remarks posted on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused oil producers and refiners of keeping gasoline prices artificially high despite a recent decline in global crude oil prices. He argued that falling oil costs should be reflected more quickly in retail fuel prices.

“The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil. Those prices are dropping like a rock!” Trump said in his post, adding that consumers were being “gouged” as a result of the pricing gap between crude oil and gasoline.

He further stated that he had instructed the Justice Department to “immediately start looking into this,” warning that gasoline prices should begin declining more rapidly in response to lower input costs.

The comments reflect ongoing political scrutiny of fuel prices, which have remained a sensitive economic issue for consumers across the United States. While crude oil prices often fluctuate based on global supply and demand, retail gasoline prices can be influenced by a range of factors, including refining costs, distribution, taxes, and regional market conditions.

Trump’s remarks come amid broader debate over inflation pressures and energy costs, with fuel prices frequently serving as a key indicator of household economic conditions. His statement suggests a more aggressive approach toward oversight of the energy sector, particularly regarding how quickly price changes are transmitted to consumers.

The Justice Department has not yet issued a public response outlining any specific investigation or enforcement actions related to the directive.

Oil industry representatives have previously argued that changes in crude oil prices do not always translate immediately or directly into retail gasoline prices due to operational costs, supply chain factors, and market timing differences.

The announcement adds another layer of tension between the administration and major energy producers at a time when energy affordability remains a central political issue.