FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver in an effort to increase gasoline supplies and lower prices at the pump.

Beginning September first, the EPA will temporarily end summer-blend gasoline requirements early.

That will allow gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol to be sold at higher vapor pressure, which the agency says will increase the nation’s fuel supply.

The waiver will remain in effect through September 15.

The move comes as the national average for regular gasoline has reached about four dollars and ten cents per gallon, according to AAA.

AAA says August is on track to be the most expensive month on record for gas prices.