PENNSYLVANIA — As fuel prices continue to rapidly rise, a state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation to temporarily suspend Pennsylvania’s gasoline and diesel taxes for two months.
Sen. Lisa Boscola, a Lehigh County Democrat, said the two bills are intended to aid motorists and businesses in coping with global oil market fluctuations.
“Pennsylvania drivers are already starting to see prices at the pump climb as global oil markets react to instability in the Middle East,” Boscola said in a memo to colleagues.
“At a time when families and businesses are already facing rising costs, we should use every tool available to provide some short-term relief.”
According to The Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania motorists currently pay one of the highest fuel taxes in the nation, behind only California, Illinois and Washington.
The Pennsylvania state gasoline tax currently is 57.6 cents per gallon. The diesel tax is approximately 74 cents per gallon.
According to AAA, the current price per gallon of gas in Pennsylvania is $3.64 per gallon. The national average is $3.57 per gallon.
A week ago, the price at Pennsylvania pumps averaged $3.29 per gallon, while the national average was $3.19 per gallon.
The worst likely is not over.
“In just a week, consumers have seen gasoline prices surge at one of the fastest rates in years after oil prices spiked following U.S. strikes on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.
“Fuel markets are now rapidly recalibrating to the risk of prolonged disruption to global supply flows. As a result, gasoline prices in many states could climb another 20 to 50 cents per gallon.
Boscola contended that the proposed 60-day tax suspension would provide relief for commuters while also helping businesses that rely heavily on diesel fuel, including trucking, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction industries.
“When affordability becomes a challenge for Pennsylvania families and business owners, government has a responsibility to step in and look for ways to help,” Boscola said. “Providing temporary relief at the fuel pump is a practical step we can take right now.”