Matt McClain

The nationwide average for a gallon of regular is holding at $2.85 per gallon.

That's thanks to steady refinery operations and increased oil output from OPEC.

But some politicians have been quick to claim credit.

Petroleum analyst Matt McClain says that's not how it works.

McLean says longer term policy trends like promoting electric vehicles can influence prices over time.

But in the short term, global supply, demand and geopolitical volatility are what drive the cost at the pump.

Windsor Johnston, NPR News, Washington.