New Haven – On Monday morning Rep. Rosa DeLauro stood beside a Shell sign advertising $4.39‑per‑gallon gasoline at 141 Willow Street and warned that families are feeling the pinch of soaring fuel costs. She attributed the rise to two forces she described as “Big Oil’s profiteering” and President Trump’s “war of choice” in Iran.
Gas Prices Spike Since February
DeLauro told reporters that the average price for gasoline in Connecticut has climbed to $4.31 per gallon and diesel to $6.43 per gallon since the Trump administration launched the Iran operation on Feb. 28. She noted that the conflict, which involves the United States and Israel, has restricted roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Impact on Connecticut Families
“For most families, gas is not a small price, nor is it an optional price,” DeLauro said, emphasizing that many residents rely on their vehicles for work and school. She argued that the higher cost forces households to cut back on other essential spending.
Big Oil Profits, Not Consumers
Turning to the oil majors, DeLauro claimed that the stock prices of Exxon, Shell, and Chevron have jumped more than 20 % since the war began, suggesting that “a major portion will likely go to stock buybacks.” She promoted the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act, a bill she co‑sponsors that would levy a per‑barrel tax equal to 50 % of the difference between the current price of oil and last year’s average price for companies producing or importing at least 300,000 barrels per day. The legislation also includes a quarterly rebate for income‑eligible U.S. taxpayers.
Political Context Ahead of Midterms
The press conference came a week before the November 3 midterm elections, in which DeLauro is seeking a 19th two‑year term for Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District. She faces Republican challenger Chris Lancia, Independent Thomas Egan, and write‑in candidate Andrew Rice. DeLauro said that if Democrats regain control of the House, she hopes to return as chair of the Appropriations Committee.
Potential Congressional Action on the Iran War
DeLauro noted that the House has passed a war powers resolution three times, but the Senate has not acted. She argued that a Democratic majority in both chambers would give Congress more leverage to pressure President Trump to end the conflict.
Local Business Perspective
Inside the same Shell station, manager Syed Naqshband described the past year as one of the toughest in his 20‑plus years operating the pump. He said the station’s price started around $3.99 per gallon earlier this year and has risen to $4.39, and that customer traffic has dropped roughly 20‑25 % compared with last year.
Looking Ahead
DeLauro concluded by saying she will let the American people decide the outcome of the midterms and will let the Israeli electorate decide its own leadership, noting President Trump’s endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
