Interior Secretary Doug Burgum says current gasoline prices are driven more by state-level factors than by wider Middle East events. In an interview on Fox News, Burgum links variation in fuel costs to differences across states, arguing that state policy and state taxes play a major role in what drivers pay. He contrasts that view with the idea that turmoil in and around the Strait of Hormuz is the primary driver of U.S. gas prices. Burgum’s comments come amid heightened attention to the regional conflict involving Iran and its impact on energy markets. Rather than attributing the rise in prices to shipping and supply disruptions, Burgum directs blame toward Democratic officials at the state level, asserting that state decisions are a key reason prices are higher in some places than others. The remarks reflect a broader political dispute over the causes of gasoline price increases, with Burgum emphasizing domestic governance factors while downplaying the direct effect of international developments on retail fuel costs.