What’s the federal gas tax and how much does it cost drivers?

June 9, 2026 - 00:59

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to drive up energy costs, former President Donald Trump has revived the idea of temporarily suspending the federal gas tax. The proposal, which he floated during a recent rally, aims to provide immediate relief to American drivers facing record-high prices at the pump. But what exactly is the federal gas tax, and how much does it actually cost the average motorist?

The federal gas tax is an excise tax imposed on every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States. Currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel, it has not been raised since 1993. While the amount may seem small per gallon, it adds up quickly. For a driver who fills up a 15-gallon tank once a week, the federal tax alone costs roughly $2.76 per fill-up, or about $143 per year. For a household with two vehicles, that figure can easily exceed $250 annually.

The revenue generated by the tax is deposited into the Highway Trust Fund, which finances road construction, bridge repairs, and public transit projects. Critics of a suspension argue that cutting this funding could jeopardize infrastructure projects already in motion. Supporters, however, say the relief is necessary as inflation and fuel costs continue to squeeze household budgets.

Trump has not provided specific details on how long a suspension would last or how lost revenue would be replaced. The idea has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some calling it a short-term fix that could create long-term problems. For now, drivers are left watching both the war and Washington for any sign of change at the pump.