Gas prices, averaging $3.60 per gallon nationwide, are up by 6 cents from last year|North Dakota

The Biden administration announced Tuesday the release of 1 million barrels of gasoline from a Northeast reserve, aiming to lower gas prices ahead of the July 4 holiday and summer travel season.

Gas prices typically rise during summer as a result of higher demand from travelers.

The move highlights the White House’s efforts to reduce consumer prices as the November elections near.

The national price remains $3.60 per gallon, up by 6 cents from last year.

Gas futures have rallied 19% this year as oil prices rose after OPEC cut production and over fears of the Israel-Hamas war sparking a wider Middle East conflict.