COLUMBUS, OH — As Ohio drivers face staggering costs at the pump, one state lawmaker is pushing for immediate relief. State Representative Ty Mathews (R-Findlay) has formally proposed a three-month moratorium on Ohio’s gasoline tax, aiming to ease the financial burden on households as the summer travel season begins.
The proposal comes as gas prices in the Buckeye State hit an average of $4.83 per gallon for regular unleaded. Economic analysts warn that if the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to destabilize global oil markets, Ohioans could see prices surge toward $6 per gallon by mid-summer.
The Breakdown of Potential Savings
If enacted, the moratorium would temporarily remove the state’s 38.5 cents per gallon tax. When coupled with a similar proposal currently being debated at the federal level—which would suspend the 18.4-cent federal tax—Ohio drivers could see a combined price drop of nearly 57 cents per gallon.
“Our goal is to give families a break during the months they need it most,” Mathews said of the initiative. He is pushing for the suspension to take effect by the end of May to cover the high-traffic months of June, July, and August.
Governor Cites Budgetary Roadblocks
While the proposal is popular with motorists, it faces significant opposition from the Governor’s office. Governor Mike DeWine has voiced serious concerns regarding the fiscal impact of the move.
Because gas tax revenue is constitutionally earmarked for road construction and infrastructure maintenance, DeWine warns that a three-month suspension could create a massive budget shortfall. The Governor’s team argues that cutting the tax now could delay critical highway safety projects and bridge repairs already scheduled for the 2026 construction season.
A Race Against the Calendar
Representative Mathews remains steadfast, arguing that the immediate economic relief for Ohioans outweighs the temporary pause in infrastructure funding. With the end-of-May deadline approaching, the proposal is expected to trigger a heated debate in the Statehouse over the coming weeks.
For a driver with a 15-gallon tank, the state-level suspension alone would save approximately $5.78 per fill-up.
