Harry S. Truman — 33rd President of the United States
33rd President of the United States, Democratic
Harry S. Truman
Term: Apr 12, 1945 – Jan 20, 1953
Harry S. Truman (1884–1972) was the thirty-third president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953. He succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt upon Roosevelt's death in April 1945 and led the country through the final months of World War II, including the decision to use atomic bombs against Japan in August 1945. His presidency saw the beginning of the Cold War, the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, the creation of NATO, the recognition of Israel, and U.S. involvement in the Korean War. He won the 1948 presidential election in an upset widely expected by commentators to go to Republican Thomas Dewey.
“The supreme need of our time is for men to learn to live together in peace and harmony.”
Gas prices during the Truman presidency
- At inauguration
- $0.21
- 1945 avg.
- On leaving
- $0.29
- 1953 avg.
- Change
- +36.7%
- −8.1% in 2026 dollars
- Average
- $0.25
- $3.62 in 2026 dollars
- Peak
- $0.27
- 1952 avg.
- Low
- $0.21
- 1945 avg.
U.S. average, regular grade · 1945 avg. – 1952 avg.
Before October 1973 only annual averages exist, so earlier months use that year's average.
Nominal U.S. national averages including taxes (EIA / BLS); regional prices vary widely. Compare all presidencies on Gas Prices by President.
Events during this term
- World War II gasoline rationing
War · Little change · 1945 avg. – 1945 avg.
During this term: pump price $0.21 → $0.21 (0.0%)
- Korean War
War · Prices rose · 1950 avg. – 1953 avg.
During this term: pump price $0.27 → $0.29 (+7.1%)