Gas Prices Today Hit $3.98 as Trump Approves E15 to Cut Costs This Summer

Gas prices today have climbed to $3.98 per gallon. This reflects a sharp rise since the start of the Iran war. The increase, tracked by the American Automobile Association, marks a roughly 30% jump and puts fuel costs at their highest levels in years. As prices continue to rise, the US government is turning to a familiar short-term fix that could offer some relief in the coming weeks.

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EPA Approved E15 This Summer, and It Could Save Drivers 28 Cents a Gallon

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved an emergency E15 gasoline waiver. This allows the sale of higher ethanol fuel across the country during the summer months. The decision was announced on March 25 by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, under the administration of Donald Trump.

E15, which contains 15% ethanol, is typically restricted in parts of the US during summer due to air quality rules. The waiver removes those limits temporarily. This is starting May 1 through May 20, with the possibility of extension. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins added,

“President Trump is unleashing American Energy Dominance, and today’s action will directly lower prices at the pump and gives a clear demand signal to our domestic biofuels producers.”

The main appeal is cost. Industry data shows E15 is currently about 28 cents cheaper per gallon than standard gasoline. Officials say expanding access could help offset some of the pressure from rising fuel costs.

According to reports, the surge in gas prices has been driven by disruptions in global oil supply due to the Iran war. This is particularly around key shipping routes. The situation has also pushed diesel prices up more than 40%, adding to broader cost pressures.

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E15 is Cheaper, But Not Everywhere

The EPA says the move is aimed at stabilizing supply and giving consumers more options at the pump. The agency is also allowing broader distribution of E10 fuel and easing certain regional fuel requirements to improve availability. Zeldin added,

“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. We will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners. The agency will be ready to extend the emergency fuel waivers as ongoing issues continue to present the need for action.”

But the impact may vary. E15 is not sold in all states. Some experts note that infrastructure and compatibility issues could limit how widely it is used. Others have raised concerns about environmental effects and potential knock-on impacts in agricultural markets.

For now, the EPA’s gas price response reflects a short-term approach. Whether the E15 gasoline waiver meaningfully reduces costs for most drivers will depend on how widely the fuel is available in the weeks ahead.

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