RismadarVoice Reporters, May 10, 2026
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump says it is open to suspending the federal gas tax as fuel prices continue to rise sharply amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright disclosed this during an interview on NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday, stating that the administration was considering all possible measures to reduce the burden on American consumers.
According to Wright, gasoline prices in the United States have risen by more than 50 per cent since the outbreak of the Iran war, with the national average reaching $4.52 per gallon on Sunday, based on data from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Responding to questions on whether the administration would support suspending the federal gas tax, currently pegged at about 18 cents per gallon, Wright said the government was prepared to explore all options.
“All measures that can be taken to lower the price at the pump and lower the prices for Americans, this administration is in support of,” he said.
When pressed further on whether President Trump specifically supported suspending the tax, Wright replied, “We’re open to all ideas,” while noting that “everything has trade-offs.”
Democrats in Congress had earlier introduced legislation in March seeking a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax until October in response to mounting energy costs.
Wright, however, declined to predict whether gas prices could rise to $5 per gallon, describing energy price forecasting as difficult in both the short and medium term.
“I can’t predict the price of energy in the short term or even the medium term, but what we’re doing is ending a 47-year conflict Iran has fought,” he stated.
He also highlighted the United States’ strong oil and natural gas production capacity, saying the country remained in a “tremendous position” despite market pressures.
In March, Wright had expressed optimism that fuel prices could fall below $3 per gallon by summer, assuring Americans that price pressures would ease within weeks. However, fuel costs have continued to climb amid Iran’s sustained blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
Energy experts say that although a U.S.-led blockade of Iranian ports could significantly reduce Iran’s oil revenues, Tehran may still be capable of withstanding the economic pressure for several months.
