President says federal fuel tax suspension remains an option but urges state-level action, as oil prices climb amid concerns over prolonged Middle East conflict
President Donald Trump signaled that he is not yet prepared to push for a suspension of the federal gas tax, though he emphasized that the option remains under consideration as his administration responds to rising energy prices.
Asked about the possibility during a Cabinet meeting, Trump said, “We’ve thought about it, I guess,” while suggesting that individual states consider suspending their own fuel taxes.
“It’s something we have in our pocket if we think it’s necessary,” he added.
Trump then shifted to discussing the stock market before being asked again about the federal gas tax, which currently stands at 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel. These rates do not include additional state-level taxes, which are often higher.
The president does not have the authority to suspend the federal gas tax unilaterally; such a move would require approval from Congress.
Meanwhile, oil prices rose 5 percent on Thursday, rebounding from losses in the previous session, as concerns grew that an extended conflict in the Middle East could continue to disrupt global supply.
Brent crude futures increased by $5.26, or 5.2 percent, to $107.48 per barrel at 10:57 a.m. EDT, nearing the session high of $107.84. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $3.53, or 4 percent, to $93.85 per barrel, after reaching a high of $94.84 earlier in the session.
