U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said New York families, farmers and small businesses are facing record diesel prices and gasoline above $4 a gallon over Labor Day weekend, blaming President Donald Trump's war in Iran for higher costs.
The New York Democrat said rising fuel prices are spreading through grocery bills, travel and other purchases and called for an end to the war and relief for consumers.
Gillibrand's office said the national average for gasoline reached $4.15 a gallon, compared with $3.20 at the same point last year. The release put New York's average at $4.30 a gallon and said gas had never previously exceeded $4 nationally over Labor Day.
Her statement also cited the August jobs report, saying wage growth had fallen to its lowest level in five years while inflation continued to erode workers' earnings.
The release did not include a response from the White House or Republican officials.
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