COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio drivers could soon see much-needed relief at the gas pump, after state lawmakers voted Wednesday to suspend the state's gasoline tax for 90 days. Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law Thursday.
Republicans have been pushing to temporarily suspend Ohio's gas tax, as Indiana has done since early summer.
The bill sailed through the Senate, 26 to 5; then passed the House and went to DeWine's desk.
Here is what to know about the suspension:
- Ohio's gasoline tax is 38.5 cents per gallon.
- Ohio's diesel fuel tax is 47 cents per gallon.
Supporters say suspending the tax would give drivers relief at the pump.
The reduction takes effect starting Oct. 4. It means that, until Sunday, gas stations will still pay taxes on purchased fuel.
WATCH: We break down what relief Ohio drivers may soon see at the pump
Gas Buddy's Patrick De Haan said that the three-day delay is significant to note.
“It may not necessarily be an immediate large drop in price, because stations could be sitting on thousands of gallons of fuel that they still pay tax on," De Haan said.
De Haan said because of that it could take some time for drivers to see gas prices drop.
“It will likely be spread out over several days as stations slowly begin to buy that non-taxed fuel," De Haan said.
Drivers interviewed Wednesday had mixed feelings — some felt the savings were not enough, while others said it would mean real savings for them.
WATCH PREVIOUS: How Ohio drivers are feeling about the gas tax suspension
Mixed reviews of the plan
Driver Denise Hamilton was skeptical of how much she would save.
"I don't think it would do a lot of good, honestly," Hamilton said.
But landscaper Zach Nottingham said it will help small business owners like him.
"It would be super nice, it would make business lot easier. With a landscape business, I am filling up every 2 to 3 days, and it has been 150 dollars of diesel every two to 3 days," Nottingham said.
Some Democrats have called the plan an election-year gimmick, saying it would take millions away from highway projects. But Republicans say $725 million from the state's general revenue fund would cover the losses.
For an SUV with a 20-gallon tank, the suspension would amount to savings of about $7 per fill-up. Owners of diesel pickup trucks could see savings of $12 per tank.
That way you don't waste your money.
_______________________________________
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
Follow John:
- Facebook: John Matarese Money
- Instagram: @johnmataresemoney
- X/Twitter: @JohnMatarese
Follow Taylor:
- Facebook: Taylor Nimmo
- Instagram: @tnimms
- X/Twitter: @tnimms
For more consumer news and money-saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com
