DAYTON — Ohio lawmakers could suspend the state’s gas tax to lower prices statewide.
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The state’s gubernatorial candidates are urging lawmakers to lower gas prices by 38 cents by suspending the gas tax, something that Indiana’s governor has done.
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News Center 7’s Cody Butler spoke to Jeff Petry, of Xenia, while he was in Richmond filling up his tank for $3.89 a gallon.
“It’s about 75 (cents) to $1 cheaper here than it is in Dayton, so I always enjoy the visit,” Petry said.
AAA said Indiana’s averaging $4 a gallon, with only Mississippi and Texas being cheaper. Ohio is averaging $4.48 a gallon.
Dalton Gibson, of Centerville, Indiana, told News Center 7 that he would often drive to Ohio to fill up his tank. Now, he said friends from the Buckeye State are crossing into Indiana.
“Indiana is usually more pricier than Ohio with stuff, and it’s crazy to see Ohio being more pricey than Indiana with their gas. It’s crazy,” Gibson said.
The reason for the change is that Indiana Governor Mike Braun suspended the state’s gas taxes. The move saved drivers roughly 60 cents a gallon.
Now, some Ohio Republicans are planning to announce their plan to suspend Ohio’s 38-cent gas tax. It’s something Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering) has been pushing for.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what evolves in the next week or two, and hopefully we’ll take action quickly because Ohioans need this relief,” White said.
Butler reached out to Governor Mike DeWine’s office to inquire if he would support suspending the gas tax. He has not heard back at the time of this report.
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