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Ohio lawmakers approved a 90-day suspension of the state’s gasoline and diesel taxes during a special session Sept. 30. The measure would temporarily eliminate Ohio’s 38.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and 47-cent diesel tax. Gov. Mike DeWine has indicated he plans to sign the legislation. The state would use roughly $725 million in general revenue to replace transportation funding lost during the suspension.
Ohio lawmakers have approved a 90-day suspension of the state’s gas and diesel taxes as fuel prices remain elevated amid disruptions in global oil markets.
The measure now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine, who has indicated he plans to sign it.
Ohio gas tax suspension
The Ohio House and Senate approved the temporary tax suspension during a special session Sept. 30.
The measure would suspend Ohio’s 38.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax for 90 days.
The legislation includes an emergency clause, meaning the suspension can take effect once it is signed by DeWine and other requirements are completed.
The state would use roughly $725 million from its general revenue funds to replace transportation funding that would normally come from the fuel taxes during the suspension.
How does it affect Cincinnati drivers
The suspension is expected to reduce the state tax included in the price of gasoline and diesel.
For a driver filling a 15-gallon tank, the gasoline tax suspension represents about $5.78 in state taxes per fill-up, assuming the full savings is passed through to consumers.
The actual amount drivers save at the pump could vary because gasoline prices also depend on wholesale fuel costs, competition, distribution expenses and other factors.
The suspension also applies to diesel fuel, which could affect transportation and other businesses that rely heavily on diesel.
Why Ohio lawmakers approved the measure
Lawmakers returned to the Statehouse for the special session as global oil markets faced disruptions connected to the conflict involving Iran.
Both candidates running for Ohio governor in 2026, Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, had called for a temporary gas-tax suspension.
Acton announced her proposal Sept. 21, followed hours later by Ramaswamy’s proposal.
The legislation received bipartisan support, although lawmakers disagreed over the timing and the use of state funds to replace the lost transportation revenue.
When could the gas tax suspension begin?
DeWine’s office has indicated that the governor plans to sign the legislation.
Because the bill contains an emergency provision, the tax suspension could begin shortly after it becomes law rather than waiting for the standard effective-date period.
The suspension is temporary and would last for 90 days.
After the suspension ends, Ohio’s regular gasoline and diesel taxes would return unless lawmakers take additional action.
What happens to transportation funding?
Ohio normally uses revenue from its motor-fuel taxes to help fund transportation projects and other related expenses.
During the 90-day suspension, the state plans to use general revenue funds to replace the money that would otherwise have been collected.
The legislation allocates roughly $725 million for that purpose.
State officials and lawmakers have debated the effect of diverting general revenue to cover the temporary loss of fuel-tax revenue.
FAQs
Who proposed suspending Ohio’s gas tax?
Both 2026 Ohio gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, called for a temporary gas-tax suspension. Acton announced her proposal first, followed hours later by Ramaswamy.
Does the suspension apply to diesel?
Yes. Ohio’s 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax would also be suspended for 90 days.
Will the gas tax suspension affect Ohio road funding?
The state normally uses motor-fuel tax revenue to help fund transportation. The legislation provides general revenue funding to replace the money that would otherwise have been collected during the 90-day suspension.
