Ohio lawmakers voted Wednesday to suspend the state's gas tax for three months, according to WHIO TV. The proposal would cut gasoline prices by nearly 40 cents per gallon and diesel by nearly 50 cents per gallon.
Patrick De Haan of Gas Buddy said the state would forgo revenue already included in its budget, and he noted that Indiana has used budget surpluses to offset similar losses; Ohio may follow that approach, De Haan said.
De Haan also said Ohio gas prices had dropped 20 cents in the previous week, remained above the $4-a-gallon mark at roughly $4.20, and were likely to continue easing for now. Gas Buddy said some stations have begun selling winter blend fuel, which is cheaper for refineries and can save drivers a few cents.
Some motorists said the relief would not be enough. DuJuan Moore, who said he drives for Medicare and Medicaid and fills up a couple of times a day, estimated monthly fuel spending at about $2,800. Another driver, Daniel Sakob, said Americans are working hard to sustain the economy and face the largest burden from fuel prices and other charges; both men said lawmakers should do more for working people.
The article reported that the state estimated suspending the gas tax could cost more than $700 million, with money drawn from surplus funds to cover the loss.