Americans say Putin and oil companies are to blame for high gas prices, poll

Empty gas tank.
Empty gas tank. Photo credit Getty Images

The poll conducted by ABC News/Ipsos has found that most Americans blame oil companies and Russian President Vladimir Putin as the main reasons for a spike in prices.

When it comes to how many blame the two, 71% said a "great deal" or a "good amount" of the fault is Putin's, and 68% point the finger at oil companies.

But, some do blame politicians here at home, as the poll found that Americans are more likely to blame Democrats for the rise in gas prices instead of Republicans. On top of that, it found that 55% of Republican respondents said they were enthusiastic about voting this November compared to 35% of Democrats.

Democrats have pointed the finger at Russia's war on Ukraine, as shortly after the country began its invasion, sanctions fell, causing the energy industry to become volatile.

President Joe Biden has referred to the recent increase as "Putin's price hike." But Republicans have not agreed with Biden's excuse saying his energy policies are the reason for gains at the pump.

Either way, oil companies were questioned by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on Wednesday about the rise in prices, which have only just started to dip back down.

Oil executives defended their companies during rigorous questioning, which included being asked if they were taking advantage of the Ukrainian crisis to keep prices high and increase profits. Each answered "no."

The main reason executives gave for high prices was the COVID-19 pandemic, as they continuously denied price gouging.

As for other reasons Americans think prices are high, 52% place a "great deal" or a "good amount" of the blame on Democratic party policies, while 51% blame Biden. Not many support how Biden has handled gas prices either, with 68% disapproving of his actions.

Americans have been reaching deeper into their wallets over the last month, and 49% said that they had had financial hardship for themselves or others in their household because of current prices.

The poll was conducted from April 8-9 among 530 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 points.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images