How Much is the Federal Gas Tax? What Are Gas Prices Today?
Motorists throughout the U.S. are facing sticker shock at the gas pumps this month. Some relief is possibly on the way with the suspension of the federal gas tax under consideration. However, that has a lot of people wondering: How much is the federal gas tax anyway?
The federal tax "is currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon on diesel fuel, an amount that does not include state taxes, which often are higher," according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration hasn't updated its website since 2024. "Federal taxes include excises taxes of 18.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 24.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel, and a Leaking Underground Storage Tank fee of 0.1 cents per gallon on both fuels," the website reported at that time.
There Are Also State Gas Taxes That Wouldn't Be Affected by a Federal Gas Tax Suspension
However, there are also state gas taxes. "State taxes include rates of general application including, but not limited to, excise taxes, environmental taxes, special taxes, and inspection fees, but they exclude state taxes based on gross or net receipts. State taxes do not include county and local taxes. This information is for general informational purposes only," explained the federal government website.
According to the AP, the president said on May 11 that he wants to move to suspend the federal gas tax, an action that would have to be approved by Congress. Congress has never acted to suspend the federal gas tax, which brings in billions of dollars in revenue, in its history, CNN reported.
How Much Are Gas Prices Today?
The government's website also updates U.S. regular gasoline prices. The last update was May 5, 2026, which one expected on May 12. Gas prices were up in every region on the chart. Gas prices were over $4 in every region of the country except the Gulf Coast, where they were $3.902, and the West Coast, where they were over $5. The West Coast had the highest gas prices at $5.583. In the Midwest, gas prices were $4.399.
According to CNN, on May 11, prices "have skyrocketed to a nationwide average of $4.52 per gallon." AAA tracks today's average gas prices on its website.
"Total energy production in the United States increased to a new record of 107 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) in 2025, a 3.4% increase from the previous record set in 2024, according to new data in the federal government's Monthly Energy Review.
The rising price of gas is tied to the war in Iran, CNN reported, noting, "The main issue is that oil tankers still can't pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 7:46 PM.