I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest gas prices, folks, and I’ve got to say, it’s a wild ride. A gallon of unleaded gas costs 40% more today than it did last year, and diesel is running nearly 75% higher. I mean, who needs that kind of stress in their life? The University of Michigan’s October consumer sentiment index was the second lowest on records that go back to 1978, and I’m not surprised. I’ve been filling up my tank and feeling like I’m being robbed. The record low of 44.8 was set in May, a month that saw the national average for a gallon of unleaded hit a four-year high of $4.56 because of oil supply shocks stemming from the war with Iran.
Now, I know some people might say, “Big Elephant, why are you complaining? You’re just a conservative American who loves his gas-guzzling trucks.” But let me tell you, folks, high gas prices affect everyone, regardless of party affiliation. A gallon of regular unleaded is averaging $4.29 nationwide and costs 40% more than it did in October 2025. Refinery troubles have caused stunning increases in fuel prices for Michiganders ($4.77/gallon, up 33 cents since Wednesday), Ohioans ($4.37, a two-day jump of 39 cents), and residents of other Great Lakes states. It’s like the whole country is feeling the pinch.
I was reading that diesel is at $6.32 a gallon, nearly 75% higher than last year. Brent crude topped $116 a barrel on Friday for the first time since March and was poised to close at a 4.5-year high. Gregory Brew, senior analyst at consulting firm Eurasia Group, said, “There is broad consensus that escalation is coming and that it could diminish flows of oil out of the Middle East.” He also added, “Right now, a lot of oil is coming out, but it’s expensive. There is very little confidence that supply is sustainable.” I mean, that’s just great, folks. More uncertainty and higher prices.
The latest survey from the University of Michigan showed that consumers expect inflation to remain high in the months and years to come. Year-ahead inflation expectations ticked up to 4.7% from 4.6%, and long-run expectations moved higher to 3.5% from 3.4%. Consumers are frustrated that their purchasing power has declined while prices continue to climb higher, said Joanne Hsu, University of Michigan economist and director of the Surveys of Consumers. I’m no economist, but it seems to me that people are just trying to make ends meet, and these high prices are making it tough.
The Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee meets next week, and I’m curious to see what they’ll do. Will they raise interest rates again? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, folks: high gas prices and inflation are affecting everyone, regardless of party affiliation. As I always say, “You can’t make this stuff up.” The numbers are what they are, and we just have to deal with it.
In conclusion, the latest gas prices and inflation numbers are a real concern for Americans. With the midterm elections just around the corner, I’m sure politicians will be talking about this a lot. But let’s be real, folks, it’s not just about politics; it’s about people’s lives. We need to find a way to get these prices under control and make sure everyone can afford to fill up their tank without breaking the bank. Until then, I’ll just be over here, sipping my coffee and shaking my head at these crazy gas prices 🤦♂️.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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