OPINION | As Fuel Prices Surge, Americans Deserve Answers

By T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Opinion | Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Across America, hardworking families are feeling the pressure every time they pull up to the gas pump. Fuel prices continue to surge, grocery bills remain high, and everyday citizens are left wondering why it feels like the American people are always the ones carrying the burden.

One question many are asking is simple: why is America exporting millions of barrels of oil and fuel overseas while families here at home are struggling to afford gas?

According to recent energy reports, U.S. fuel exports have reached more than 8 million barrels per day overseas, while American families continue facing rising costs at home. That raises a serious concern for many citizens who believe our leaders should be focused first on lowering costs for the American people.

And those rising fuel prices are not just being seen in major cities — they are hitting families right here at home across Northeast Alabama.

As of today, local fuel prices include:

• Murphy USA — 1960 West Main Street & Griffith St., Centre

Regular: $3.91 | Midgrade: $4.31 | Premium: $4.61 | Diesel: $5.22

• Coosa Corner Citgo — 5770 Weiss Lake Blvd & Industrial Blvd, Leesburg

Regular: $4.04 | Diesel: $5.29

• Circle K — 1707 Glenn Blvd SW & Medical Center Dr SW, Fort Payne

Regular: $4.05 | Midgrade: $4.65 | Premium: $4.95 | Diesel: $5.23

• Circle K — 1205 W Meighan Blvd & N 12th St., Gadsden

Regular: $3.92 | Midgrade: $4.41 | Premium: $4.81 | Diesel: $5.11

Diesel prices climbing above $5 per gallon are creating even more strain on farmers, truck drivers, construction workers, small businesses, and working families who rely on transportation every single day.

As a conservative who has voted Republican for as long as I can remember, I am struggling with the feeling that neither party truly cares about everyday Americans anymore. Whether it is the right or the left, it often feels like politics has become more about power, money, and division than helping working families survive.

Americans are not asking for handouts. They are asking for fairness. They are asking why the wealthy continue getting richer while working people are forced to stretch every dollar merely to make it through the week.

At some point, both parties need to stop pointing fingers and start answering to the people they were elected to serve.

Now we want to hear from you: (QUESTIONS)

Do you believe both political parties have lost touch with the everyday American worker?

• 0%Yes
• 0%No
• 0%Unsure

Do you believe America should focus on lowering fuel prices at home before exporting millions of barrels of oil overseas?

• 0%Yes
• 0%No
• 0%Need More Information

What is hurting your household the most right now?

• 0%Fuel Prices
• 0%Grocery Prices
• 0%Housing & Bills
• 0%Healthcare Costs

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We invite you to share your thoughts on these questions respectfully in the comments on our Facebook page under the post where this article was shared.

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