Donald Trump Administration Issues Nationwide Emergency Fuel Waiver to Lower Gas Prices
The Donald Trump administration issued a nationwide emergency fuel waiver on Thursday, August 20, 2026, to increase gasoline supplies and provide relief from rising prices across the United States.
The Environmental Protection Agency approved the temporary waiver in consultation with the Department of Energy after determining that extreme and unusual fuel-supply conditions were affecting the country.
The action will end federal summer gasoline requirements approximately two weeks earlier than normal.
Gasoline rules change September 1
The EPA extended its existing gasoline-volatility waiver through August 31, maintaining a single national gasoline supply containing between 9% and 15% ethanol.
Beginning September 1, the agency will waive federal gasoline-volatility standards and permit the earlier sale of winter-grade fuel. The summer control season would normally continue through September 15.
Winter-grade gasoline is generally less expensive and easier for refiners to produce, allowing additional supplies to enter the market.
E10 and E15 gasoline included
The waiver continues expanded ethanol-blending limits, allowing gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol, known as E15, to remain available nationwide.
It also reinstates an additional volatility allowance for E10 gasoline in states where that allowance had previously been removed.
The administration said creating a common national gasoline pool will give refiners, fuel terminals and retailers greater flexibility while reducing potential regional supply disruptions.
Gas prices reach $4.10 per gallon
Regular gasoline averaged approximately $4.10 per gallon nationwide on Thursday, compared with about $3.13 per gallon one year earlier.
The administration expects the waiver to expand supplies and reduce production and distribution costs. The amount and timing of any decrease at individual gas stations will depend on regional markets, refinery operations and fuel-delivery schedules.
The EPA said it will continue monitoring national fuel supplies and market conditions as the waiver takes effect.
