The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on the 25th that, after consultation with the US Department of Energy, it has decided to issue a temporary emergency fuel waiver. This waiver will allow the continued sale of ethanol-blended gasoline for an additional 20 days after the current sales season ends, in order to increase domestic fuel supply.
Under this exemption policy, from May 1 to 20, gasoline blended with 15% ethanol can continue to be sold nationwide, and all federal-level sales restrictions on gasoline blended with 10% ethanol have also been lifted.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated, "This emergency action will increase fuel supply and consumer choice, alleviating the pressure on American families."
Due to its inability to meet gasoline volatility standards, the US typically prohibits the sale of ethanol-blended gasoline during the summer. The EPA noted that the 20-day window is the maximum period allowed under the US Clean Air Act. If necessary, the agency will extend the emergency exemption period.
In late February, the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, leading to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a surge in international oil prices, and a sharp increase in US retail gasoline prices, putting pressure on consumers. Data released by the American Automobile Association on the 25th shows that the national average price of regular gasoline in the US has risen by 33.88% compared to a month ago.
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