Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has told Americans who cannot afford holidays that the soaring cost of jet fuel is just “short-term,” thanks to President Trump.
The price of jet fuel has rocketed in recent weeks, due to the conflict between the United States and Iran that Trump himself jointly started with Israel.
Costs have risen while Iran has maintained control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 34 percent of the world’s crude oil trade flowed in 2025.
With the increase in fuel prices, airlines around the world have hiked prices and slashed services.
Speaking on CNBC, Duffy assured families who cannot afford to fly that Trump had reduced the U.S.’s reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.
“Thanks to President Trump and American energy dominance, we have a ton of energy in the U.S.,” he said. “So we are less reliant on the Strait of Hormuz than we would have been say... 25, 30 years ago because of fracking.”
Duffy went on to claim that he had talked to “all the airline CEOs” and said that they all “feel really good about the supply.”
The transportation secretary blamed the global fuel market for an increase in domestic prices, but said that the rise was a “blip.”
“The president thinks about this short-term,” he added, suggesting that stability in global fuel markets would make the U.S. “better off as a country.”
The U.S. Energy Information Administration says that jet fuel prices for customers are projected to average $3.39/USG in 2026, according to Argus Media. That is an increase of nearly 30 percent from last month’s forecast of $2.67/USG.
As prices soar, United Airlines has hiked the cost of checking luggage, with most passengers paying an additional $10 for their bags.
The company’s CEO, Scott Kirby, reportedly warned that some airlines might “not survive” the crisis, according to The Los Angeles Times.
The fuel chaos is unfolding in the midst of a partial government shutdown, which has seen funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security. Since the DHS oversees TSA, passengers have been warned to expect lengthy delays at airports.
Speaking to CNBC, Duffy discussed the impact of a possible acquisition of a smaller airline by one of the big four companies. According to him, such a deal would have to be reviewed by the DOT, the DOJ and Trump.
“So that’s going to come through us but also President Trump,” he said. “He loves to see big deals happen. He’ll have to review that kind of a deal.”
Duffy added that he believes there is “room” for more mergers in the U.S. aviation industry.
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