President Donald Trump and his lieutenants often respond to concerns about the affordability crisis by touting how much cheaper gasoline is than under his predecessor.

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Oil and gas activity remains steady in North Dakota according to the latest report for September production. North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson says the state is producing around 1.16 million barrels of oil and 3.57 billion cubic feet of gas a day.

Crude oil prices hover at or near four-year lows. Kansas Common crude starts the week at $48.25 per barrel, after dropping $1.25 on Friday. That's the lowest posted price at CHS in McPherson since October 16. The monthly average price drops to $49.57 per barrel. The last time that monthly average was less than $50 was in February of 2021.

Oil prices climbed about 1% on Monday on increased bets of a U.S. interest rate cut in December and mounting doubts about whether Russia will get a peace deal with Ukraine that will boost Moscow's oil exports.

"Oil and gasoline prices are down substantially under President Trump. And that is really the key to affordability," Bessent said.

Engineering, geology and operating discipline can determine the success of oil and gas projects as much as the cost per barrel.

GasBuddy says Oklahoma’s fuel market is acting as an outlier, with a few metro stations dropping below $2 amid increased oil supply and economic uncertainty.

A “mystery surcharge” at the pump costs Californians millions of dollars a year, according to a new report from the state Division of Petroleum Market Oversight.