Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill last week suspending the state's gas tax for 90 days, a move that earned bipartisan backing as midterm elections approach. The action joins a broader wave of state-level interventions aimed at easing fuel costs while federal efforts remain stalled. With November 3 less than 30 days away, political pressure is mounting to address high pump prices, even if the relief offered is modest.
The federal gas tax, set at 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4 cents for diesel, has not been suspended despite legislative pushes from several lawmakers. The Trump administration signaled openness to a holiday this spring, but Congress has not moved to suspend the levy. Critics note that while state actions provide some relief, they do not offset the price spikes seen since the start of the war in Iran. Additionally, opponents argue that suspending taxes could increase the deficit and strain the Highway Trust Fund.
Ohio is one of at least six states to suspend, lower, or stop increases in fuel taxes. Georgia was the first to act, with Republican Gov. Brian Kemp approving a 60-day pause in March. Kemp recently declared a state of emergency in late September and suspended the excise tax again for 30 days. Other states have taken similar steps: Utah cut its gas tax by roughly 15% through year-end, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun renewed his April suspension in late September, and Illinois suspended a planned increase for six months this summer. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear froze an expected tax increase in May.
| State | Governor | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Mike DeWine (R) | 90-day suspension |
| Georgia | Brian Kemp (R) | 30-day suspension (renewed) |
| Utah | Unknown | ~15% cut through year-end |
| Indiana | Mike Braun (R) | Renewed suspension |
| Illinois | Unknown | Six-month suspension of increase |
| Kentucky | Andy Beshear (D) | Frozen tax increase |
Beyond tax suspensions, several states have eased regulations on dyed diesel, a lower-cost fuel typically reserved for off-road use. Indiana lifted restrictions for farmers and timber harvesters in late September. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey directed law enforcement to stop enforcing rules against dyed diesel to relieve agricultural and timber communities. Louisiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas took similar actions.
Other states pursued different strategies. California recently allowed cheaper winter-blend gasoline to be sold earlier than usual, while Michigan permitted gas stations to sell lower-cost gasoline earlier this spring. These measures aim to provide immediate cost relief to consumers as political messages cluster around cost-of-living concerns.
The political dynamics in Ohio highlight the election angle. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton called for a gas tax holiday, prompting her rival, Vivek Ramaswamy, to announce a plan with GOP leaders. As drivers and truckers continue to feel financial strain months after the war began, state leaders are deploying various levers to mitigate the impact on voters. The lack of a federal solution has pushed states to act independently, creating a patchwork of relief measures across the country.