As of May 11, 2026, national average gas prices hover around $3.80 per gallon, marking an increase of nearly 30% since the Iran war started at the end of February. In response, multiple states have suspended or reduced their gas taxes, and President Donald Trump, along with his Cabinet, has discussed suspending the federal gas tax.

Trump told reporters in May that he intended to suspend the 18 cents per gallon federal gas tax. Earlier in March, he mentioned at a Cabinet meeting that he had "thought about" such a suspension. Democrats in both the House and Senate also proposed measures to suspend the gas tax in March.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on NBC News’ "Meet the Press" in May, "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."

An NBC News analysis shows that even if all state and federal gas taxes were suspended, gas prices would still average 14% higher per gallon than they were at the start of the Iran war. The share of taxes and fees in gas prices varies by state, with 6.7% of Hawaii’s cost per gallon attributed to taxes and fees, compared to 20.9% in Illinois.

The federal gas tax rate of 18 cents per gallon, set in 1993, would be equivalent to 8 cents in 2026 dollars after adjusting for inflation.

As national gas price averages approach $5 per gallon, the discussion on tax suspensions continues as a potential relief measure for consumers.

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