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| US diesel price is $6.32 per gallon at a gas station in Ohio — high gas prices October 2026 |
Trump Blames Ukraine and Democrats for High Gas Prices as Ohio Suspends Fuel Tax: Diesel Still $ 6.32
I checked US gas prices today, and diesel is still $6.32—very high for US drivers. President Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday, saying the reason is Ukraine blowing up Russian refineries and blue states like California closing their own refineries.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, "What's driving up Gasoline is no longer the Strait of Hormuz because record Numbers of Barrels are coming out now on an almost daily basis, but the word Refineries where Russia's are being blown up by Ukraine and where futures are being closed up in Blue States like California by the Democrats".
The statement comes as US drivers pay on average $67 more per month for gasoline and $139 more for diesel than one year ago, according to the AAA data.
Diesel Hits Record High
According to AAA on Monday, the national average for regular gasoline was $4.36 per gallon, down from the summer high of $4.47 but still $1 higher than last year. Diesel is worse at $6.32 per gallon after crossing $6 for the first time on September 11.
In western states, prices are even higher: California diesel is $8.35, Washington $7.32, and Hawaii $7.15. These high prices are hurting farmers during harvest season and truckers before midterm elections on November 3.
Energy prices spiked after Iran cut access to the Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of the world's oil, during the US-Israel war against Iran. Ukraine attacks on Russian refineries have also tightened supply, especially diesel.
Ohio and Georgia Suspend Fuel Tax
To provide relief, two states took emergency action that caused a hard reversal in prices according to GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan.
Ohio lawmakers approved a 90-day suspension of state motor fuel taxes backed by a $725 million surplus. Governor Mike DeWine signed it. Georgia also suspended fuel taxes for 30 days.
De Haan said this decline is not exactly the most organic decline because it is driven by tax suspension and G7 supply release, not normal market forces.
G7 Release and Tax-Free Diesel Plan
The G7 agreement to release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel over four months is also starting. Trump reversed his threat to ban US diesel exports after Europe agreed to release stocks.
Trump is now planning to expand tax-free red-dyed diesel access. Currently, farmers use red diesel tax-free, but Trump wants truckers to also get access, saving about 60 cents per gallon. The Treasury Department will review diesel taxes, which are 24.3 cents federal plus 35.5 cents average state tax.
Experts say taxes are not the real problem; supply is the real problem. Patrick De Haan said, "Taxes aren't the problem; supply is." Nothing that supply from Russia and Iran is still limited.
What it Matters For US Drivers?
- If you are a driver and live in Ohio or Georgia, fill up now; you save 39 per gallon for the next 90 days.
- If you live in other states, ask your governor to suspend the gas tax— Georgia and Ohio proof shows it works.
- Diesel will stay above $6 until winter unless the Iran war ends. Trump said oil prices will tumble right after the November 3 elections because Iran cannot hold out longer.
- For small businesses using GasBuddy and filling early in the morning, save 10-15 sec.
Conclusion
Trump blaming Ukraine and Democrats instead of the Iran war is a political move before midterms. But Ohio and Georgia tax suspension shows that real relief is possible when states act. With the G7 releasing 100 million barrels and diesel at $6.32, the next 30 days will decide if US gas prices drop below $4 again or stay high. For now, US drivers in Ohio and Georgia are lucky; others wait for federal action.
Q: How much are gas prices in Ohio after the tax suspension?
Gas in Ohio is $3.87 after a 39c drop; diesel down 28c. In Georgia, gas is $3.86; diesel is down 46c.
Q: Will diesel prices go down below $6?
Experts expect diesel to stay above $6 until the release hits the market in the next 20 days and if the Strait reopens.
Do you think suspending the gas tax works?
Should your state also suspend the tax?