U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he intends to seek a suspension of the federal gasoline tax as Americans grapple with sharply higher fuel prices following the escalation of the conflict with Iran.
Addressing a reporter at the White House, Trump said the tax suspension would remain in effect “until it’s appropriate,” adding that even a modest reduction would translate into “real money” for consumers. The federal excise tax currently adds 18.4 cents per gallon to gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon to diesel, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Implementing the suspension would require congressional action. Republicans, who hold a narrow majority in both chambers, have already signaled support. Senator Josh Hawley, a close ally of Trump, said he would introduce the necessary legislation on Monday, while Representative Anna Paulina Luna pledged to bring a similar bill before the House “this week.”
Fuel prices have surged since the United States launched military action against Iran, with both gasoline and diesel up roughly 50 percent since late February. The conflict has also seen Iran largely close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas transit. As a result, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States reached $4.52 on Monday, with diesel at $5.64, per the American Automobile Association.
Analysts estimate that eliminating the federal fuel tax would shave approximately four percent off pump prices. State-level taxes, which average 32.61 cents per gallon for gasoline and 34.76 cents for diesel, would remain unchanged.
The proposed tax relief comes amid growing public pressure to curb the cost of living as the war in the Middle East intensifies. Should Congress approve the measure, the United States would see its first major alteration of the federal fuel tax since its inception, marking a significant policy response to an external geopolitical shock.
The development underscores the administration’s focus on immediate economic relief while broader diplomatic and security challenges continue to unfold. Media Talk Africa will monitor congressional proceedings for further updates.
