Washington: The US secretary of energy has proposed a suspension of the federal tax on gasoline, suggesting that this measure could help bring down prices and provide relief at gas pumps nationwide. The proposal comes in response to the recent surge in fuel prices following the joint US-Israeli military action against Iran.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, President Donald Trump's administration is open to exploring various strategies to mitigate the rising gasoline prices, which have soared since the conflict with Iran began. In an interview with NBC News, Chris Wright highlighted the administration's willingness to entertain all potential solutions to address the fuel price crisis. He had earlier predicted that gasoline prices would not dip below $3 per gallon this year due to disruptions in oil exports, despite positive prospects for energy production from countries like Venezuela.

However, Wright's prediction did not materialize as anticipated, as energy prices continued to climb, leading to heightened inflation and economic challenges. This situation has compounded President Trump's difficulties both domestically and internationally, with recent polls indicating a significant drop in his approval ratings amid growing public dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict in Iran.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average for gasoline has reached $4.52 per gallon, with the federal fuel tax contributing approximately 18 cents per gallon to the price. Despite efforts by the Trump administration to frame the price hikes as temporary, fuel costs in the United States have persisted in their upward trend, even after a ceasefire was arranged by Pakistan on April 7, 2026.