economyMonday, May 11, 20263 sources

Trump Vows to Pause Federal Gas Tax After Iran War Drives US Fuel Prices to Four-Year High

Donald Trump announced plans to suspend the federal gas tax to alleviate rising fuel costs, which surged over a dollar per gallon since late February following the US-Israel war on Iran. The move requires congressional approval, which may face procedural delays. The decision comes amid growing public frustration over the economic impact of the conflict.

National gas prices in the United States have risen by more than a dollar per gallon since late February, driven by the escalation of the war between US and Israeli forces and Iran. Trump, speaking to reporters on May 11, 2026, stated his administration would seek to pause the federal gas tax 'till it's appropriate' to ease the burden on American drivers. The president emphasized that the tax suspension would not immediately lower prices, as the war has significantly increased oil costs.

Timelines

Sources

IndependentAl JazeeraMay 12, 12:59 AM
Trump says he will suspend petrol tax amid soaring US fuel prices

Suspending a federal tax requires an act of Congress, and there may be procedural delays before it can be achieved.

IndependentThe GuardianMay 11, 10:30 PM
Trump vows to pause federal gas tax after Iran war boosts US fuel prices to four-year high

National average for gas prices has risen by well over a dollar per gallon since late February Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Donald Trump pledged to suspend the US federal gas tax in a bid to reduce pressure on Americans after the US-Israel war on Iran sparked a sharp rise in fuel prices. The US president told reporters on Monday that his administration would look to pause the tax “till it’s appropriate”, as drivers count the cost of the surge in oil prices in the two months since US and Israel forces attacked Iran. Continue reading...

IndependentNew York TimesMay 11, 10:12 PM
Trump Proposes Suspending Federal Gas Tax Until Prices Fall

Congress would have to agree to any suspension, and dropping federal taxes would not make up for the steep increase in prices since the war began.