I’m trying to square how only [15% of oil price controls](https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/29/us/president-abolishes-la...) remained when Reagan single handedly saved the day. Seems like Carter spent 4 years doing the hard work and Reagan was able to capitalize on the last bit, which as the article states, Carter would have accomplished by spring.

But Carter did not do it. You don't get credit for things you didn't do. There was no need for delay, as Reagan amply demonstrated.

Remember, Reagan did it on his first day in office. Carter could have done it the day before.

If you lived through that transition (I did) it was wonderful to have the gas lines disappear overnight and never return. Thank you, Reagan!