Fastrack · Ohio Gov. DeWine Opposes Gas Tax Suspension Plan

Ohio's legislature is returning early from recess to consider suspending the state's gas and diesel taxes for 90 days. Both candidates for governor publicly backed the proposal last week.

38.5 cents per gallon: Ohio's current gasoline tax rate.
47 cents per gallon: the state's diesel tax, also targeted for suspension.
$725 million is the Republican caucus's estimate of total savings to residents.
$165 in direct savings projected for a two-driver household over 90 days.

Why it matters: Ohio's average gas price reached $4.21 per gallon Monday — up 40.7 cents from last month and $1.43 from last year. Prices rose after Middle East tensions disrupted oil markets.

Republican leaders say Ohio's General Revenue Fund and ODOT cash reserves can cover the lost revenue without cutting road or local government funding.
Gov. Mike DeWine called using ODOT funds a "very, very bad idea" but has not said whether he would veto the legislation.

How 10 sources split on this story

Source landscape

Factuality

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Mixed

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Strong LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightStrong Right

Political Bias

Coverage by lean% of 10 sources

10 sources · 12 articles · 40% Left coverage

Where they split: The core dispute is whether Ohio can offset $600-725 million in lost revenue without harming transportation funding or local governments.

Center3 sources

NCNBC4 Columbus (WCMH)6hOhio governor says he could consider suspending state's gas tax WCWRBL Columbus2hGov. Kemp suspends Georgia fuel tax beginning Tuesday for 30 days WSWSAV Savannah2hGov. Kemp suspends Georgia gas tax for 30 days

Left4 sources

CleCleveland.com2hOhio lawmakers overhaul Ramaswamy’s plan to pay for a state gas-tax holiday OCJOhio Capital Journal4h‘Very bad idea.’ Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine pumps brakes on proposal to suspend gas tax TAJThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution2hGeorgia Gov. Kemp suspends state's gas tax as Iran war squeezes drivers

The Washington Post55mTexas governor declares emergency to bring down fuel prices

Right coverage, 3 sources: The right frames the suspension as fiscally sound relief that Ohio can afford, with Republican leadership and a governor nominee acting decisively for working families ahead of the election.

The Daily Signal1dState Legislature to Return for Vote on Gas Tax Suspension TCSThe Center Square2hOhio starts process to pause gas tax

Just the News23hOhio legislature returns early, pre midterm vote, after governor nominees call to suspend gas tax

What’s next: Companion bills were introduced in both the Ohio House and Senate on Monday.

Emergency legislation status means Republicans need Democratic votes to pass the bill.
Ramaswamy said he would call a special session if needed after taking office January 11, 2027.
Will Gov. DeWine sign or veto the legislation if it passes?
Can the General Revenue Fund and ODOT reserves fully offset the revenue loss without project delays?
Will enough Democratic lawmakers vote yes to reach the emergency-legislation threshold?