TRUMP ORDERS PROBE INTO RISING GASOLINE PRICES AMID MIDEAST OIL DISRUPTION

TRUMP ORDERS PROBE INTO RISING GASOLINE PRICES AMID MIDEAST OIL DISRUPTION U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he has ordered an investigation into major oil companies over rising gasoline prices, as his administration faces growing political pressure over the economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Trump’s announcement comes amid public frustration in the United States over fuel costs, which have climbed sharply in recent weeks following disruptions in global energy supply chains. Global petroleum prices surged after Iran reportedly blocked the flow of oil through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for international oil shipments, in response to earlier U.S.-Israeli military strikes in February.

The disruption has intensified volatility in global energy markets, pushing up gasoline prices in the United States and other oil importing economies. The U.S. leader said the probe will focus on whether oil companies are engaging in unfair pricing practices or contributing to what he described as “artificial inflation” at the pump, though he did not provide further details on the scope or timeline of the investigation. The development adds to mounting political scrutiny of the administration’s handling of energy security and inflation, particularly as voters express concern over rising living costs. Energy analysts say the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, and any sustained disruption could have significant global economic consequences, further tightening supply and driving prices upward. The White House has not yet released additional information on the agencies that will conduct the investigation or potential enforcement measures, but officials say more details are expected in the coming days.