Ohio suspends fuel tax for 90 days, DeWine expected to sign the law

Drivers in Ohio could see lower prices at the pump from 1 October, when Governor Mike DeWine is expected to sign a law immediately suspending state petrol and diesel taxes for 90 days, as the Columbus Dispatch reports.

The measure temporarily removes the tax of 38.5 cents per gallon of petrol and 47 cents per gallon of diesel. Lawmakers will use more than $725 million from the state’s budget surplus to replace the lost revenue and keep road projects funded.

The tax holiday comes as fuel prices rise rapidly: the average petrol price in Ohio reached $4.24 per gallon on 30 September, while diesel reached $6.68, according to AAA.

Lawmakers approved the plan with bipartisan support on 30 September, after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy both called for a fuel tax holiday.

Supporters say the measure will bring drivers immediate relief, while critics argue the savings will be modest and may not fully reach consumers. Federal fuel taxes will remain in force.