President Trump asks Justice Department to investigate oil companies over gas prices
“Customers are being ‘ripped off.’” President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had asked the Justice Department to investigate the oil companies.
- The Trump administration is asking Congress to pass legislation that would allow permanent, year-round sales of E15 gasoline.
- E15 is a blended fuel containing 15% ethanol, which proponents say could lower gasoline prices for consumers.
- E15 is approved for use in most cars manufactured after 2001, but not older vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines.
President Donald Trump is pushing Congress to pass legislation that would allow the sale of high-ethanol gasoline, as U.S. lawmakers grapple with rising gas prices that have upset many Americans during an election year.
In its latest 2026 budget request sent to Congress on June 24, the White House called for new legislation to codify the “permanent annual sale” of E15 gas, a gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. The White House said doing so would represent an “urgent and necessary policy change that will expand consumer choice, support domestic fuel production, and bring additional flexibility to fuel markets.”
On May 13, the US House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow year-round sales of E15 gas. The bill, known as the National Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, must be approved by the U.S. Senate before being sent to President Trump for his signature.
Supporters of E15 gasoline, including the National Corn Growers Association, say that “year-round E15 would save motorists money per gallon of gasoline and drive demand for bushels of corn.”
The consideration for extending the sale of E15 gas comes as a temporary waiver, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency traditionally issues in the summer to allow more E15 gas, is set to expire soon.
The average price of gasoline dropped to $3.83 on Thursday, July 2, according to the AAA Auto Club. This is down from the US average price of $4.29 for gasoline on June 2, a month ago, but still higher than the median price of $2.98 on February 28, when the US launched its first military strike against Iran.
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 can drivers save with more E15 gas?
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?
The EPA said 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 bikes 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.
- Passenger cars, light trucks, and medium-sized passenger cars from the 2000 model year onwards.
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.
