Would Support Similar Effort by President Trump at the Federal Level

State Treasurer Larry Pack today called for a suspension of the state gas tax to offset increasing gas prices due to the conflict in Iran. President Donald Trump is considering a similar proposal at the federal level, according to several media outlets. If a suspension of the state gas tax was considered, Treasurer Pack would ask the Legislature and Governor to reimburse any lost road dollars out of general revenue surplus. 

“President Donald Trump is looking for ways to provide much needed relief to working class Americans. We should follow his lead by suspending our state gas tax,” Treasurer Pack said. “That is why I am calling on the Governor or the Legislature to call a special session and tackle this issue immediately. Let’s get it done.”

Federal Excise Taxes are 18.4 cents per gallon on gas and 24.4 cents a gallon on diesel. The West Virginia state gas tax is 35.7 cents per gallon. Combined West Virginians pay 54.1 cents per gallon at the pump. Gas prices have increased over 50% since the start of the Iran war on Feb. 28, hitting a high of over $4.52 on Sunday, according to AAA.