The Trump administration announced Wednesday it will temporarily lift summer gasoline regulations to combat higher pump prices stemming from the Iran war. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing refiners and retailers to sell E15 gasoline, blended with 15% ethanol, throughout the summer.
Key Takeaways
The Trump administration temporarily lifted summer gasoline regulations to combat rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war. The EPA issued an emergency waiver allowing E15 gasoline sales through May 20.
- EPA issues emergency fuel waiver for E15 gasoline sales
- Waivers effective from May 1, extendable if needed
- Move aims to increase fuel supply and lower gas prices
- U.S. average gas price at $3.98/gallon, up over a dollar in a month
The waivers take effect on May 1 and will be in place through May 20 but can be extended if needed. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that this action aims to increase fuel supply and consumer choice, providing relief from rising gas prices. The U.S. average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is just over $3.98, up more than a dollar from a month ago.
The move is part of broader efforts by the White House to contain economic fallout from the Iran war, which has disrupted global oil supplies and driven up energy prices. The administration has taken other steps to boost supply, including releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and easing sanctions on Russia and Iran.
The waiver marks a win for the U.S. biofuels industry, as it allows retailers to sell gasoline blends typically not permitted during warmer months. Analysts say the change could shave several cents per gallon off retail prices, providing relief to consumers and refiners struggling with tight fuel supplies.
The Trump administration ordered U.S. refiners on Friday to blend a record amount of biofuels into their gasoline and diesel this year and next. The EPA set total 2026 biofuel obligations at 26.81 billion RINs and 2027 obligations at 27.02 billion RINs, representing the highest blending requirements on record.
The refining industry criticized the move, stating it would raise pump prices already spiking due to the war in Iran. Chet Thompson, president of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), said he believed U.S. biofuels mandates have already increased consumer pump prices by 25 cents a gallon.
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