EPA issued the emergency waiver on Aug 20. Summer-blend rules end early Sept 1. National average still sits right around $4.10. That is almost a dollar higher than a year ago. Extra waivers for Texas, Arizona and California are real. Analysts still split on how much prices will actually drop.
⛽️ RELIEF AT THE PUMP? The EPA is taking emergency action as the national average for regular gas hits $4.10 a gallon.
Starting Sept. 1, the EPA will end summer-blend gasoline requirements about two weeks early, allowing more fuel to enter the market in hopes of bringing prices… pic.twitter.com/TWfEeG6Pw6
— Rusty Surette (@RustySuretteTV) August 21, 2026
AAA reports August average on track for record high.
Gasoline inventories still 6 percent below five-year average.
Refinery utilization near 96 percent leaves little spare capacity.
Analysts note impact may stay limited without more state-level buy-in.