Trump gets creative on oil prices as crude soars to $115 per barrel

Published March 19, 2026 12:00pm ET



The Trump administration is racing to find ways to stanch the run-up in oil prices driven by the war in Iran, as consumers feel the pressure of crude oil hitting $115 a barrel, reflected in higher pump prices. 

The United States is undertaking a range of measures meant to lower prices, including releasing emergency oil reserves to ease sanctions on nations like Venezuela and increase global supply. 

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