Trump administration waives gasoline regulations to address surging fuel prices

HOUSTON — The Trump administration on Wednesday temporarily waived regulations on the types of gasoline that are sold during the summer in an effort to ease surging fuel prices during the Iran war.

The Environmental Protection Agency lifted restrictions on the sale of E15 gas, a fuel blended with 15% ethanol. The sale of E15 is restricted in about half the U.S. from June through September due to regulations designed to reduce air pollution. The EPA also issued a waiver to remove all federal impediments to selling E10 gas, which is blended with 10% ethanol. The agency is suspending federal enforcement of certain state fuel requirements, allowing the production and distribution of gasoline with 9% to 15% ethanol content. The waivers will take effect on May 1 and last through May 20, Zeldin said. "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," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin told reporters at S&P Global's CERAWeek conference in Houston, Texas."We will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners," the EPA administrator said. "The agency will be ready to extend the emergency fuel waivers as ongoing issues continue to present the need for action."Gasoline prices have surged more than 30% to $3.98 per gallon since the U.S. war against Iran started, due to the ensuing massive oil supply disruption, according to data from travel association AAA. Prices at the pump are the highest levels since 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine shook global energy markets. Diesel prices have soared more than 40% to $5.37 per gallon. The fuel is used by trucks and freight trains that transport goods to market.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC on Monday that the administration has plans to increase the diesel supply. "We do have some ideas on diesel, that we can bring extra diesel to the marketplace," Wright told CNBC's Brian Sullivan in an interview. "I think we'll see that happen before too long."Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you.Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inboxGet this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services.© 2026 Versant Media, LLC.

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