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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that Americans may have to wait until late summer or early fall before gasoline prices drop below $3 per gallon, as energy markets continue to react to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking with reporters, Bessent addressed questions about rising fuel costs following Operation Epic Fury, which began on Feb. 28, and President Donald Trump’s subsequent decision to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Asked when consumers might see relief at the pump, Bessent pointed to uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the key shipping route.

“President Trump said this morning that he thinks we’re nearing the end. The U.S. kept their side on the ceasefire. We’ve stopped firing. The Strait of Hormuz have not been completely reopened, so we will see,” Bessent said. “I’m optimistic that during the summer we will see gas with a 3 in front of it sooner rather than later.”

He noted that officials in the Middle East have indicated oil production could ramp up quickly once the strait is fully reopened.

“So not by summer like Memorial Day, but maybe by Labor Day?” Doocy asked, with Bessent responding, “Again, I’m optimistic that sometime between June 20th and September 20th that we can have $3 gas again and as I said this morning, too, we are going to be watching the gas stations because they raised prices very quickly when the stated when the crude oil prices went up. We hope they’ll bring them down just as quickly as crude oil prices have come down, which they’ve come down substantially just in the past 10 days.”

Despite policy shifts by the Trump administration aimed at expanding domestic fossil fuel production, gas prices have climbed significantly in recent weeks. According to AAA data, the national average rose from $2.98 per gallon on Feb. 28 to $4.11 by Wednesday.

By comparison, fuel costs reached a peak of $5 per gallon in June 2022 during the Biden administration, driven in part by restrictions on fossil fuel output and broader inflationary pressures, according to federal energy data.

Officials at the time attributed the spike initially to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and later to alleged price gouging. Prices did not fall below $3 again until after Trump took office.

Crude oil prices have also fluctuated sharply. West Texas Intermediate futures closed at $91.23 on Wednesday, up from $67.02 on Feb. 27 — just before the Iran conflict began — though still below the post-February high of $117.63.

Energy analyst David Blackmon cautioned that the recent disruptions could have lasting effects on global energy markets.

“So much damage has been done now to infrastructure and global flows of oil that it’s baked into the cake,” Blackmon told The Daily Caller News Foundation during a phone call. “Prices are not going to go back to where they were before February 28. You could end this thing today. Prices are not going to go back.”

{Matzav.com}

Police have issued a public appeal seeking additional individuals who may have been affected by a mohel from Bnei Brak, as the investigation expands following multiple complaints alleging negligence during circumcision procedures.

The request comes as authorities continue probing allegations against the 66-year-old mohel – whose name Matzav.com has chosen not to report – who is suspected of causing the death of an infant due to negligent conduct during a bris milah.

According to police, the investigation began after a complaint was filed regarding the death of a baby who reportedly developed complications following the procedure. The infant passed away approximately three weeks after the bris, with suspicions pointing to an infection linked to the circumcision.

The mohel, whose identity was cleared for publication earlier today, was taken into custody for questioning and later brought before a district court judge. The court ordered his release to house arrest under certain conditions.

Police appealed the decision, but the district court upheld the ruling, allowing the suspect to remain under house arrest. Another hearing in the case is scheduled for tomorrow.

The mohel’s attorney, Yair Ben Shitrit, responded to the arrest, stating, “What began with great fanfare is ending with a whimper. My client shares in the deep sorrow of the family over the tragic incident. However, it must be emphasized that my client acted throughout in accordance with the required professional standard and even beyond that.”

He added, “The appeal filed by the police to the district court against the release decision was also rejected, and my client was released, which speaks for itself. It should be emphasized that the infant’s death occurred approximately three weeks after the circumcision, a significant factor that substantially weakens any attempt to attribute causation or negligence to my client.”

The defense attorney concluded by expressing confidence that “upon completion of the examinations, the investigative file will be closed and nothing will remain of it.”

{Matzav.com}