Trump plans meeting with US oil refining executives to address high gasoline prices

President Donald Trump is preparing to sit down with executives from some of America’s largest oil refiners and fuel retailers in early September 2026, aiming to pressure the industry into lowering gasoline prices that have become a serious political liability. The meeting, scheduled for the week following August 27, comes as US regular gasoline prices remain stubbornly above $4 per gallon, roughly $1 higher than where they stood a year ago. Trump’s approval rating sits at 33%, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, and the ongoing military conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, has rattled oil markets and eroded public confidence. Only 31% of Americans support the engagement, per the same polling data. Who’s getting the invite Expected attendees include executives from Valero Energy Corp, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and PBF Energy Inc., three of the country’s most prominent refining operations. Major fuel retailers are also on the guest list. These same refiners posted strong earnings in the second quarter of 2026, even as consumers watched the numbers on gas station signs climb past the $4 mark. Trump has publicly urged them to pass savings along to consumers. Oil price...