Sponsors (3)
The bill increases protections against emergency-related gasoline price gouging and channels penalties to energy assistance while expanding federal and state enforcement tools — but it introduces enforcement uncertainty, risks of supply disruption, and compliance/penalty-driven costs that may ultimately be borne by consumers.
Drivers and households are protected from unconscionably excessive gasoline prices during the Iran-related emergency, limiting price spikes tied to Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
Low-income households receive expanded LIHEAP and weatherization assistance funded by penalties, lowering heating/cooling costs and reducing energy insecurity.
Consumers gain stronger enforcement and deterrence against deceptive or abusive energy/petroleum market practices through increased FTC and DOJ authorities and criminal penalties.
Fuel sellers, including small gas stations, could face fines or criminal penalties that firms may pass on to consumers, raising fuel and energy prices for households.
Subjective enforcement standards (e.g., 'unconscionably excessive,' 'unfair advantage') and overlapping state/federal jurisdiction create legal uncertainty that may deter suppliers, increase litigation, and raise compliance costs passed to consumers.
Sellers may restrict supply or avoid markets to reduce legal risk, causing localized shortages, reduced access, and non-price burdens (longer travel, time costs) for drivers and commuters.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Makes emergency-era price-gouging for gasoline illegal during the U.S.–Iran conflict, assigns FTC enforcement, and directs penalties to energy-assistance programs.
Official title: To protect consumers from gasoline and fuel price gouging, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 7, 2026 by Kristen McDonald Rivet · Last progress May 7, 2026
Bans selling gasoline and other petroleum distillates at unconscionably excessive prices tied to circumstances from the U.S. conflict with Iran that began in March 2026. The prohibition applies from enactment until the President certifies that U.S. military operations against Iran have ceased indefinitely and the Strait of Hormuz and global shipping through it have fully resumed. Enforcement is assigned to the Federal Trade Commission with state parens patriae authority to sue, and violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts. The bill creates civil remedies, a very large criminal penalty (up to $500 million), and directs collected penalties into a Consumer Relief Trust Fund to support LIHEAP and Weatherization assistance programs.