President Donald Trump said Monday he is considering a temporary halt to the federal gasoline tax as Americans contend with sharply rising fuel costs linked to the war with Iran.

Speaking in a phone interview with CBS News, Trump said the suspension would stay in effect until prices begin to decline, after which the tax would gradually be reinstated.

“And yep, we’re going to take off the gas tax for a period of time, and when gas goes down, we’ll let it phase back in,” Trump said. “We’ll be doing something on that.”

The current federal excise tax adds 18.4 cents per gallon to gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon to diesel. Any move to suspend it would require congressional approval, something lawmakers have been reluctant to grant in the past.

Gas prices have surged more than 50% since fighting with Iran began on February 28, with the nationwide average reaching $4.52 per gallon as of Sunday, according to AAA.

Experts caution that prices may stay high as Iran continues to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global oil supplies.

Trump also criticized Iran’s latest reply to a U.S. peace proposal, saying that while Tehran offered limited nuclear concessions, they fell short of what was needed. He described the proposal as “very stupid.”

The president’s comments followed remarks from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who indicated the administration would support suspending the gas tax if it helps bring relief to consumers.

“All measures that can be taken to lower the price at the pump and lower the prices for Americans, this administration is in support of,” Wright said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

{Matzav.com}