U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday that reducing gasoline prices will ultimately depend on reaching a resolution with Iran to increase oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Wright made the remarks while visiting the Sable Offshore oil and gas facility near Santa Barbara, California, which was restarted this year after President Donald Trump invoked the Cold War‑era Defense Production Act to override state regulations.
During the event, Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum criticized California’s stringent environmental policies, blaming them for the state’s gasoline prices, which are hovering around $6 per gallon.
The administration is prepared to take additional steps to lower fuel costs in California. Wright said officials have sought dialogue with Governor Gavin Newsom to support the state’s struggling refineries after two recent closures.
“The best course is to roll back some of the regulations that forced the last two refineries to close,” he said. “I’ve tried to engage the governor in a discussion about why Californians should bear costs that provide no environmental or economic benefit.”
When asked what it would take to bring down soaring gasoline prices nationwide, Wright answered that a deal with Iran was essential.
“The path to lower gasoline and diesel prices is to get more oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz,” he explained. “Ultimately, that requires a resolution with Iran.”
He added that higher fuel costs are a consequence of the military effort to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“We’re paying extra, but we’re addressing a major geopolitical challenge and a significant threat to national security in the region,” Wright said. “That cost is delivering a tangible benefit.”
California has limited regional production and little connectivity to Gulf Coast refining hubs, with no pipelines transporting fuel from the Rocky Mountains to the state.
Governor Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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