US Fuel Economy Rollback Could Raise Average Fuel Costs by 45 Percent

The US Department of Transportation has signaled it is preparing to unveil revised fuel economy standards that, according to the agency’s own figures, would push average fuel costs up by roughly 45 percent.

The timing is notable. Global energy prices are already under pressure from an ongoing conflict that has disrupted oil markets, making the prospect of higher pump prices especially sensitive for drivers.

Critics of the planned rollback argue that loosening efficiency requirements removes one of the clearest tools available for reducing reliance on volatile oil markets. They point out that when fuel prices climb, the case for electric vehicles tends to get stronger rather than weaker.

The standards are expected to be formally announced in the coming period, though the Department has not yet published the full details of the proposed changes.