White House Seeks Bolder Action on Energy Prices Amid Iran Conflict

Administration asks federal agencies to provide more policy options to address soaring oil and gas prices.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The White House is asking federal agencies to step up efforts to address soaring energy prices from the Iran conflict, signaling a concern that steps taken so far may not be enough. Senior officials have asked the departments of Energy, Transportation and Treasury and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide more policy options, with an emphasis on measures that President Donald Trump could implement without congressional approval.

Why it matters

Higher gasoline prices could hurt Trump and his Republican Party in November's midterm elections, when control of Congress is at stake. The White House is preparing for the possibility that bolder action may be needed if oil and gas prices continue to climb.

The details

The White House has taken a cautious approach to intervening in energy markets, wary that an overly aggressive strategy could backfire. Officials say any broad measures must be carefully calibrated, noting that heavy-handed steps that fail to lower gasoline or crude prices could unsettle markets, erode confidence and trigger political backlash. Officials have discussed a wide array of options, including a federal gasoline tax holiday and looser environmental regulations around summer gasoline that will allow higher blends of ethanol.

  • On Friday, the administration announced it would provide reinsurance for losses up to $20 billion in the Gulf region to bolster confidence for oil and gas shippers during the war with Iran.
  • Trump ordered on Tuesday that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation provide insurance against losses stemming from political instability or conflict for maritime trade in the Gulf.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Taylor Rogers

A White House spokeswoman.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously the White House is coordinating with the interagency on this important issue, if we were not, it would be a problem. President Trump and his entire energy team have had a strong game plan to keep oil prices stable well before Operation Epic Fury began, and they will continue to review all credible options and execute on them when appropriate.”

— Taylor Rogers, White House spokeswoman (Reuters)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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