Ohio, Massachusetts Push Gas Tax Holidays as Diesel Hits Record $6.53
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 26
Ohio, Massachusetts Push Gas Tax Holidays as Diesel Hits Record $6.53
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 26
Summary
Ohio lawmakers are expected next week to vote on a pre-election gas tax holiday, while Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has proposed a two-month suspension as both parties scramble to answer voter anger over fuel costs.
AAA said diesel hit a record $6.53 this week and regular gasoline averaged $4.49 a gallon Friday, up from $2.98 on Feb. 28 after the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and later supply disruptions.
Massachusetts estimates its 24-cent-per-gallon tax pause would cost $120 million, while Ohio says a 90-day suspension of its 38.5-cent gas tax and 47-cent diesel tax would erase $678 million to $750 million.
Critics say the holidays would drain road and bridge funding while offering limited relief, though Penn Wharton estimated drivers would capture 72% of savings and Indiana's suspension has left pump prices about 45 cents below Ohio's.
Washington has shown how hard broader action is: Trump backed a federal holiday, but Congress has not advanced one and House Republicans failed last week to unite behind a plan.