Blog•Apr 18, 2026
High Oil Prices, Explained by an Expert
Gasbuddy’s petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan explains the surge in U.S. gasoline prices, citing tighter refinery margins, geopolitical supply constraints, and lingering pandemic demand rebounds. He argues that President Trump’s rhetoric oversimplifies the market, ignoring the complex interplay of crude costs, inventory levels, and regulatory factors. De Haan also notes that sustained high fuel costs can reshape consumer behavior, prompting shifts toward electric vehicles and altered travel patterns. The interview, published in Public Notice, offers a data‑driven perspective on why pumps are pricey and what it means for the broader energy landscape.