President Trump claims gas prices will ‘go down’ after Iran war
President Trump released an update on gasoline prices, predicting a significant drop following the Iran war.
- Congress is considering a bill that would allow E15 gasoline to be sold year-round in response to soaring fuel prices.
- E15 is a gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, which proponents say saves drivers money.
- The temporary exemption allowing summer sales of E15 is scheduled to expire on May 20th.
As Washington grapples with the soaring gas prices that upset many Americans during an election year, Congress is considering legislation that would allow the sale of gasoline that is high in ethanol.
On Wednesday, May 13th, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow the year-round sale of E15 gas, which is a blend of gasoline with 15% ethanol. The bill, known as the National Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, still needs approval from the U.S. Senate before being sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Supporters of the bill, including the National Corn Growers Association, say “year-round E15 would save motorists money on every gallon of gasoline and spur demand for bushels of corn.”
The measure’s consideration comes as a temporary waiver, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency traditionally issues in the summer for additional E-15 gas permits approved in March, expires May 20.
The average price of gasoline reached $4.51 on Wednesday, May 13, according to the AAA Auto Club. This is an increase from the national average price of gasoline of $2.98 on February 28, the day the United States launched its first military strike against Iran.
The Trump administration and Republican leaders in Congress are scrambling to contain the political fallout from soaring gas prices. President Donald Trump supports a proposal to suspend the 18 cents per gallon federal gas tax, and several members of Congress have introduced bills to do just that.
What is E15 gas?
E15 is a gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most finished motor gasoline sold in the United States is E10, and most of the E15 gas currently available in the United States is sold in the Midwest.
The EPA said E15 is now offered at more than 3,000 gas stations across the country, and the agency said it is a “more affordable option for Americans.”
“Without this action, about half the country will not have access to E15 gasoline this summer,” EPA officials said when announcing the exemption on May 1.
Environmental groups have previously criticized the idea of increasing the use of ethanol in gas, saying it emits the same harmful pollutants as regular gas.
How much does E15 gas cost?
The average price of E15 is not tracked as closely as the price of regular gasoline. A 2023 study conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association showed that drivers can save about 25 cents per gallon when using E15 gas.
According to the study, the last time national gas prices approached $4 per gallon in 2022, E15 gas averaged $3.41 per gallon.
Can E15 gas damage my car?
According to the EPA, E15 gas can be used in flexible fuel vehicles and most vehicles manufactured after 2001.
However, authorities said E15 gas cannot be used in the following types of vehicles:
- On-highway and non-road bikes.
- Vehicles with large engines such as school buses, transit buses, and delivery trucks.
- Non-road vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles.
- Engines of off-road equipment such as lawn mowers and chainsaws. or
- 2000 model year or newer cars, light trucks, and medium-duty passenger cars.
Consumer Reports said in a post on its website that it agrees with the EPA’s position that E15 gasoline is safe for most modern vehicles, but the group argues that drivers should “check the manufacturer’s manual for the type of fuel recommended” before choosing the cheaper option.
“If your car is a 2001 model or older, you’ll find that the most common regular gasoline blend in the United States recommends no more than 10 percent ethanol. One tank of E15 won’t destroy your car, but it will take a toll over time,” Consumer Reports said.
