A Gallon of Gas Now Costs More Than the Federal Minimum Wage

A gallon of gas is being sold for more than the federal minimum wage in some parts of the country.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25—an amount that hasn't been raised by Congress in more than a decade.

But some drivers are having to hand over more for a gallon of regular gasoline, according to a post on Twitter.

Comedian Chrissle West shared an image on the social media platform on Sunday, showing a gallon of regular gasoline priced at $7.29 at a Mobil station in the West Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. "First of all... absolutely not," West wrote.

Many Twitter users shared their shock at the price, with some noting it was more than an hour's work for some American workers.

"There it is: a gallon of gas costs more than the federal minimum wage," wrote comedian River Butcher.

But some locals noted that the price was much higher than those offered at other gas stations in the area.

"Gas prices are out of control but this gas station always has gas $2 more than any other station in the area," one Twitter user wrote.

The average price of gas has jumped across the country again as the Memorial Day weekend approaches and the U.S. continues to grapple with inflation at near 40-year highs.

According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $4.59 on Sunday, up 47 cents from a month ago. California's average was higher, with a gallon of regular gasoline costing $6.06 a gallon.

"The high cost of oil, the key ingredient in gasoline, is driving these high pump prices for consumers," the AAA said in a statement. "Even the annual seasonal demand dip for gasoline during the lull between spring break and Memorial Day, which would normally help lower prices, is having no effect this year."

The price of oil is hovering near $110 a barrel, rising significantly following an increase that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Tackling Inflation

President Joe Biden addressed rising gas prices earlier in May, saying the U.S. had "produced more oil domestically in my first year in office than my predecessor did in his first year.

"To further drive down prices, my administration is allowing the sale of gasoline using homegrown biofuels this summer, which wasn't allowed before.

And to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reckless autocrats like [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, I'm working with Congress to pass landmark investments to help build a clean energy future as well—from tax credits for businesses to produce renewable energy to tax credits for families to make their homes more energy efficient."