So you think Cincinnati-area gas prices are high now, with most stations raising prices to $2.79 a gallon this week?
They will be going up at least another 10 cents a gallon on Monday. And those who drive a diesel truck should expect to pay another 20 cents a gallon, if not more.
That's because Ohio's new gasoline tax takes effect July 1st.
State lawmakers passed a 10.5 cent increaseon gasoline and 19 cent a gallon increase on diesel earlier this year in an effort to help repave the state's crumbling roads.
The bill, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, will raise as much as $10 billion for much needed highway and bridge construction.
But drivers will feel a pinch as early as the July 4 weekend, according to GasBuddy.com.
We are already seeing price hikes due to the recent Philadelphia oil refinery fire, which cut east coast supplies as much as 20% in some areas and is starting to have a ripple effect in the Midwest, according to Gas Buddy. Gasoline futures have risen 12 cents a gallon in the past week due to the fire, analysts say.
In addition, rising tensions with Iran have sent crude oil prices up the last month.
The result: Cincinnati-area gas prices jumped from $2.49 at many stations to $2.79 this week, though we found the Shell at Union Center Boulevard in West Chester at an eye-popping $3.09 a gallon for regular.
And they may tack on another 10 cents Monday.
As always, don't waste your money.
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