Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Average gas prices have risen more than $1 per gallon since Iran War began, California prices over $6 per gallon
Valley supercommuters who spend 4+ hours on the road every day being hit the hardest
May 5, 2026 - WASHINGTON – On Day 60 of the war in Iran, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new legislation to immediately lower gas prices through the end of the year by suspending the federal gas tax. Harder’s Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026 would cut nearly 20 cents per gallon until January 1, 2027, ensuring temporary relief lasts long enough for gas prices to come back down permanently.
Two months after the start of the war, gas prices continue to rise:
- Nationwide, gas prices have risen more than a dollar per gallon since the war began.
- Prices in California are the highest in the nation and approaching $6 per gallon in San Joaquin County.
- More than 100,000 supercommuters live in the Valley and spend 4+ hours on the road daily, costing them hundreds every week to refill their tanks - these households are being squeezed the hardest by skyrocketing gas prices.
“Valley commuters are facing a runaway rollercoaster of prices at the pump that have been out of control for months, and our families need some immediate relief,” said Rep. Harder. “$100 just to fill up your tank is unacceptable - we need the war in Iran to end, but we can’t wait months for prices to come down. That’s why I’m pushing to suspend the federal gas tax and lower gas prices right now.”
Harder is also introducing legislation to crack down on corporations that are taking advantage of working families and charging artificially high prices at the pump, and he is leading a landmark package of energy infrastructure reforms to make it easier to finish new projects faster and drive prices down for the long term.
Source: Congressman Josh Harder
