Spotlight on gas prices turns up heat on Biden ahead of midterms

Gas prices are returning to the spotlight just weeks ahead of the midterms, turning up the heat on President Biden and the Democrats.

Despite a drop in the past few days, gasoline prices are still up nearly 20 cents from where they were a month ago, though still well below the summer peak. 

 

In an apparent effort to blunt criticism over rising prices at the pump, the White House is signaling action on the issue, with Biden on Wednesday touting the release of 15 million barrels from the country’s strategic reserve.

However, experts say the move is unlikely to have major implications at the pump. 

Just last month, gas prices were falling, adding to a checklist of Democratic wins over the summer that had the party feeling optimistic about November’s elections.