Published 2 days ago • loading... • Updated 8 hours ago
Suspension of Ohio’s 38.5-Cent Gas Tax Now in Place
The 90-day holiday cuts Ohio’s gas tax to near zero, with state officials using general revenue funds to cover about $700 million in lost revenue.
On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519, initiating a 90-day suspension of state gasoline and diesel taxes that began taking effect Sunday, October 4.
Lawmakers enacted the suspension following nationwide fuel price spikes driven by the war with Iran, utilizing $725 million in state General Revenue funds to offset lost tax revenue.
AAA reported Monday that Ohio's average unleaded gas price fell to $3.88, a drop of nearly 10 cents from Sunday and nearly 40 cents from last week.
Critics note the policy disproportionately benefits drivers, leaving Ohio's 370,000 no-car households without relief, while Senate President Rob McColley acknowledged volatile gas prices complicate guaranteed savings.
Ohio United States Senator Bernie Moreno is calling for the Federal Government to follow suit, as the state suspension remains in effect through January 2 unless lawmakers extend it.