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DeWine Reconsiders 90-Day Ohio Gas Tax Suspension as Pump Prices Surge
The governor insists highway funds remain protected as lawmakers weigh emergency action to save drivers an estimated $80.
Gov. Mike DeWine signaled on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, that he is open to reconsidering a temporary 90-day suspension of Ohio's motor fuel tax, shifting his stance nearly five months after rejecting a pause in May.
Speaking at an Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting, DeWine told NBC4 (WCMH) that while he had not yet received a final legislative proposal, he would consider a measure that provides relief to motorists without stripping money from transportation projects. In May, DeWine rejected a gas tax pause on the grounds that it would cost the state too much revenue needed for highway infrastructure.
Pump Relief and Fiscal Impact
Central Ohio motorists have faced steep increases at the pump in recent weeks. A GasBuddy survey of 500 area stations showed fuel averaging $4.29 per gallon, up more than 30 cents over the previous month and $1.41 higher than a year earlier.
The proposed 90-day holiday would suspend Ohio's fuel tax, which stands at 38.5 cents per gallon of gasoline and 47 cents per gallon of diesel. State leaders estimate the suspension would save a typical driver about $80 over the three-month period, according to reporting from 10TV (WBNS).
However, the policy carries a significant fiscal impact. Suspending the tax would reduce state revenues by an estimated $640 million to $700 million. DeWine emphasized that protecting transportation budgets remains his central condition for supporting any tax pause.
"We have some indication that they're not going to take the money from highway building and highway maintenance, and I think that's a good thing," DeWine told NBC4. "In my opinion that would be really devastating to take three-quarters of a billion dollars out."
While acknowledging the financial strain on families, DeWine added: "When people fill up their tank and they're going to work, it is a big, big, big hit, so it does make sense I think to try and give some relief," DeWine said. "We'll see what the legislation says and what the exact language is….. (But) it is a lot of money, and it is really hurting families."
Legislative Hurdles and Unresolved Funding
Any immediate fuel tax suspension faces steep procedural and political hurdles. The Ohio General Assembly remains on an extended summer recess scheduled through the Nov. 3 election, meaning leaders must convene a special session to vote on the measure.
To take effect immediately rather than following the standard 90-day waiting period, the legislation must include an emergency clause requiring a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber.
Significant uncertainties also surround the proposal, as final bill draft text has not been formally introduced and backfill funding sources remain unsettled. Proponents have suggested reallocating money from other state funds, including the rainy day fund, but lawmakers and the governor emphasize that final decisions will depend on the exact statutory language.
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https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/ohio-governor-says-consider-suspending-164509602.html
Supporting evidence (7)
Mike DeWine signaled on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, that he is open to reconsidering a temporary 90-day suspension of Ohio's motor fuel tax, shifting his stance nearly five months after rejecting a pause in May.
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Nearly five months rejecting a proposal to temporarily halt the Ohio gasoline tax, Gov. Mike DeWine tells NBC4 that he would reconsider a new proposal should it meet certain requirements.
Speaking at an Ohio Tax Credit Authority meeting, DeWine told NBC4 (WCMH) that while he had not yet received a final legislative proposal, he would consider a measure that provides relief to motorists without stripping money from transportation projects.
Read supporting passage
Nearly five months rejecting a proposal to temporarily halt the Ohio gasoline tax, Gov. Mike DeWine tells NBC4 that he would reconsider a new proposal should it meet certain requirements.
In May, DeWine rejected a gas tax pause on the grounds that it would cost the state too much revenue needed for highway infrastructure.
Read supporting passage
In May, DeWine said that pausing the gas tax would cost the state too much in revenue needed for highway infrastructure.
A GasBuddy survey of 500 area stations showed fuel averaging $4.29 per gallon, up more than 30 cents over the previous month and $1.41 higher than a year earlier.
Read supporting passage
According to GasBuddy's survey of 500 stations in central Ohio cities, the average cost for a gallon of gasoline is $4.29 per gallon.
"We have some indication that they're not going to take the money from highway building and highway maintenance, and I think that's a good thing," DeWine told NBC4.
Read supporting passage
"We have some indication that they're not going to take the money from highway building and highway maintenance, and I think that's a good thing," said DeWine, who noted he has not received a final proposal. "In my opinion that would be really devastating to take three-quarters of a billion dollars out."
While acknowledging the financial strain on families, DeWine added: "When people fill up their tank and they're going to work, it is a big, big, big hit, so it does make sense I think to try and give some relief," DeWine said.
Read supporting passage
"When people fill up their tank and they're going to work, it is a big, big, big hit, so it does make sense I think to try and give some relief," DeWine said. "We'll see what the legislation says and what the exact language is….. (But) it is a lot of money, and it is really hurting families."
To take effect immediately rather than following the standard 90-day waiting period, the legislation must include an emergency clause requiring a two-thirds supermajority vote in each chamber.
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In order for any proposal to take effect, the gas-tax bill would need to include an emergency clause, requiring a two-third majority in each chamber to pass.
Supporting evidence (3)
The proposed 90-day holiday would suspend Ohio's fuel tax, which stands at 38.5 cents per gallon of gasoline and 47 cents per gallon of diesel.
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Ohio's gas tax is 38.5 cents per gallon of gasoline and 47 cents per gallon of diesel
The Ohio General Assembly remains on an extended summer recess scheduled through the Nov. 3 election, meaning leaders must convene a special session to vote on the measure.
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Ohio's state legislators are on an extended recess and are not scheduled to return until after the Nov. 3 election.
Proponents have suggested reallocating money from other state funds, including the rainy day fund, but lawmakers and the governor emphasize that final decisions will depend on the exact statutory language.
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Ramaswamy also said the legislation would replace lost gas tax funding for roads by reallocating money from other state funds, including the rainy day fund and existing funding for state transportation projects.
Gov. DeWine weighs in on gas tax holiday after lawmakers introduce bills
Supporting evidence (2)
State leaders estimate the suspension would save a typical driver about $80 over the three-month period, according to reporting from 10TV (WBNS).
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Leaders estimate an average driver would save about $80 over the 90-day tax holiday.
Suspending the tax would reduce state revenues by an estimated $640 million to $700 million.
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They also estimate it will cost the state $640 million and $700 million.