Gas Prices Break Records as Inflation Climbs to 3.7%; WV Democrats Renew Call for Gas Tax Relief
Gas Prices Break Historic Record as Inflation Climbs to 3.7%; West Virginia Democrats Renew Call for Gas Tax Relief
For Immediate Release October 14, 2026
CHARLESTON, WV — Americans reached another costly milestone Wednesday as the national average price of gasoline remained above $4 per gallon for the 158th day this year.
The record came on the same day the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer prices increased 0.6% in September, bringing the annual inflation rate to 3.7%. Gasoline prices climbed 9.1% in September alone, accounting for more than half of the month's overall inflation increase.
Before President Trump's war with Iran began on February 28, Americans were paying an average of $2.98 per gallon for gasoline. Since then, gasoline prices have increased dramatically, imposing billions of dollars in additional costs on American families.
According to researchers at Brown University's Watson School of International and Public Affairs, higher gasoline prices resulting from the war have cost American consumers approximately $73.5 billion in additional out-of-pocket expenses — an average of $561.20 per U.S. household.
Those costs represent money that American families could otherwise have spent on groceries, housing, health care, and other necessities.
Here in West Virginia, House Democrats have repeatedly called on Governor Patrick Morrisey and the Republican-controlled Legislature to temporarily suspend the state gasoline tax to provide relief at the pump.
On Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers renewed their request for a special legislative session to consider the proposal. Governor Morrisey has not called such a session.
“The Republican supermajority wrote a blank check to AI Data Centers, but they can’t be bothered to provide any relief to hard-working West Virginians struggling to afford the high cost of gas,” Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin said.
The national gasoline-price record and the latest inflation figures underscore the continuing financial pressures facing West Virginia families. “The consequences of the November 3rd election couldn’t be clearer,” said Pushkin. “If you want more of the same, vote Republican. If you want a change, vote Democrat.”
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