Trump wants to suspend the federal gas tax as prices soar amid war with Iran
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump has proposed temporarily suspending the federal gas tax to alleviate high fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran, stating the tax would be reinstated once gas prices decrease.
- The current federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel, and suspending it would require Congressional approval.
- Gasoline prices have surged from just under $3 to $4.52 per gallon on average since U.S. military actions in Iran, largely due to blockades in the Strait of Hormuz disrupting oil shipments.
- Suspending the gas tax could reduce the average cost per gallon by about 18.4 cents, translating to a savings of approximately $2.21 on a 12-gallon fill-up.
- The White House's consideration of this measure reflects widespread public concern, with 80% of Americans reporting that high gas prices are straining their budgets across political affiliations.