FuelFact: Gingrich’s claims on $2.50 gas running on empty

A lot is being said about gas prices in the run-up to the 2012 presidential election. Though most GOP candidates simply say they’ll be able to drive gas prices down, but don’t give specifics, Newt Gingrich says he has a plan to ensure gas prices don’t exceed $2.50 a gallon. Inspired by fact-checking websites like PolitiFact.com and FactCheck.org, FuelFix.com—The Houston Chronicle‘s site for all energy, oil and gas related news—is launching FuelFact to gauge the truthfulness of comments such as Gingrich’s about gas prices. “Gingrich could possibly slightly lower prices for consumers, but analysts say it would be tough for him to get down to $2.50,” the website says. “Our FuelFact ‘truthiness’ rating: According to analysts, this claim is hitting empty on the facts.” The site notes analysts have long said the president—regardless of political party—can only have a limited impact on the price of gasoline since it is a globally traded commodity, and Gingrich’s plan isn’t blazing a new path. Check out the full feature here.