Local congressman introduces gas tax relief bill as prices at the pump soar

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Drivers across the region say they are being forced to make difficult choices as gas prices continue to climb.

Congressman Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania is introducing a bill that could help.

"I have to choose. Walk to work, or buy groceries," said Shaka Trotter of West Philadelphia.

The national average for a gallon of gas has reached $4.11. Prices in the region range from $3.99 a gallon in Delaware to $4.10 in Philadelphia.

Junior Jones of Northeast Philadelphia says the increases are hurting his pockets. "Now I have to pay an extra 20 bucks. And it goes beyond gas, it goes to other areas of daily life as well," he said.

As drivers feel the financial pressure, Congressman Boyle is returning to Washington to promote his proposal to reduce the federal gas tax, an 18-cent-per-gallon charge, when the national average exceeds $4. The plan includes pausing subsidies to gas and oil companies to offset the lost revenue.

"They wouldn't get those subsidies. They would be redirected into the Federal Highway Trust Fund," Boyle said.

The war in Iran and closures along the Strait of Hormuz have inflated gas prices globally. The conflict has continued despite a fragile two-week ceasefire.

"I really want peace in the Middle East. That's what Donald Trump said he would deliver, he's not delivering it," said Bruce Ruffin of West Oak Lane. "Right now, we're supposed to be in a ceasefire, but I don't see much of a ceasefire. We want to open up the Strait of Hormuz."

The U.S. Navy has established a blockade at ports across Iran, adding to concerns about global oil supply.

The global conflict is impacting local drivers.

"It's very frustrating for the working class. It's us paying the price right now," Jones said.

While U.S. and Iranian officials have expressed interest in resuming talks, Pakistani officials told ABC News that no date or location has been set.

Boyle said that, if passed, his proposed tax break would offer relief to drivers regardless of how negotiations unfold.