Trump's energy boss: gas may stay above $3-per-gallon into 2027

U.S. average gasoline prices may not return to pre-war levels under $3-per-gallon until next year, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNN Sunday.

Why it matters: The Iran war has driven up what had been https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=PET&s=EMM_EPMR_PTE_NUS_DPG&f=W" target="_blank">fairly low U.S. gas prices, a spike that could hurt Republicans in the midterm elections.

Driving the news: Asked Sunday when Americans should expect gas under $3, Wright replied, "That could happen later this year.

That might not happen until next year."

• "But prices have likely peaked, and they'll start going down, certainly with a resolution of this conflict, you'll see prices go down," he https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGISLRuIzVI&t=340s" target="_blank">said on CNN's "State of the Union."

State of play: Wright added that under $3 is "pretty tremendous" in inflation-adjusted terms.

He argued the Trump administration has successfully managed the historic disruption.

• Prices reached their highest point so far this year at $4.16 per gallon earlier this month and now are at $4.05, per AAA data.
• Wright emphasized that the highest point this year is still $1 below the Biden-era peak in 2022.

What we're watching: A https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/cms/prod_cms_alt/file/2026/04/12/15682238-c87d-4758-b49f-e8148e6a1d38/cbs_news_poll___april_8-10__2026.pdf" target="_blank">CBS News/YouGov poll this month found that 51% of adults said gasoline prices have been either "difficult" or a "financial hardship" for family finances.

• It's among multiple polls showing concern about pump prices.