Biden faces criticism from a swing state Democrat over rising gas prices affecting his voters: 'Unsatisfactory'

A swing state Democrat is urging President Biden to address the high gas prices affecting residents in their state.

On Wednesday, Rep. Ruben Gallego, the probable Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Arizona, wrote to Biden, urging him to offer aid to Western states, similar to the relief he provided to Northeastern states in the previous month.

"Gallego wrote that families and business owners in Arizona should not have to pay significantly more for gas than those in other states, and he urged the administration to take similar actions to address the issue in the Western United States."

Biden declared the release of over 1 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve to decrease prices, but his administration emphasized that the relief was aimed at guaranteeing "a sufficient supply of gasoline flows to the tri-state area and Northeast" during the period between Memorial Day and July 4th.

Arizona is experiencing some of the highest gas prices in the country, with an average price of $3.67 per gallon, compared to the national average of $3.47.

Gallego stated that despite supporting the administration's efforts to reduce costs, it would be challenging for Arizona entities to transport gas to our state due to limited pipeline capacity and Jones Act requirements.

He wrote that this is disappointing, as Arizonans continue to face consistently higher gas prices than the national average.

Biden was asked by Gallego to maintain parity between the states by taking the same action throughout the summer.

"Arizonans should not be left to handle high gas prices on their own while other regions experience greater relief."

Planet Chronicle Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.