In a significant move to combat skyrocketing gasoline prices tied to the ongoing war in Iran, the Trump administration has temporarily lifted regulations on summer gasoline sales. This change, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday, aims to ease consumer burden by allowing the sale of E15 gas, which contains 15% ethanol.
Historically, the sale of E15 has been restricted in approximately half of the United States from June through September to mitigate air pollution. However, the EPA now permits this fuel blend during the summer months, alongside a waiver that removes all federal restrictions on selling E10 gas, which is composed of 10% ethanol. This regulatory shift allows for a broader range of gasoline to be produced and distributed, specifically those blended with 9% to 15% ethanol content.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated at the S&P Global’s CERAWeek conference in Houston, Texas, that these waivers aim to safeguard America’s fuel supply. “EPA waivers will work to prevent disruption in America’s fuel supply by keeping E15 and E10 on the market and giving Americans more fuel options,” Zeldin explained. The waivers will take effect on May 1 and will remain in place until May 20. “We will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners,” he added, indicating a readiness to extend these emergency measures if necessary.
These regulatory changes come as gas prices have surged more than 30% since the onset of the conflict in Iran, reaching an average of $3.98 per gallon, according to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA). This marks the highest pump prices the U.S. has seen since 2022, when the geopolitical tensions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine significantly impacted global energy markets.
With the announcement, the administration hopes to alleviate some pressure on consumers amidst a backdrop of escalating fuel costs directly linked to disruptions in oil supply stemming from international conflict.
This developing situation warrants close attention, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. As the situation progresses, many are keenly watching how these temporary regulatory changes will affect fuel availability and pricing across the nation.
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Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-gas-prices-epa-waiver.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-25 23:03:00
