O'Brien Approves Gas Tax Suspension

September 30, 2026

COLUMBUS—Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Ashtabula) announced the passage House Bill 519, suspending Ohio's 38.5 cent per gallon gas tax and 47 cent per gallon diesel tax for 90 days.

Ohioans are estimated to save roughly $725 million in fuel taxes at the pump.

"As legislators, we have a responsibility to remember the families behind the numbers," said Senator O'Brien. "A few dollars saved at the pump can mean a little more for groceries, a child's school expenses, or simply one less worry at the end of the month. This legislation provides relief that Ohioans can see and feel immediately."

Highway construction projects and local governments will not be negatively affected by the gas tax suspension as budget surpluses from this fiscal year will cover the tax holiday.

Use of the state's "Rainy Day Fund," officially known as the Budget Stabilization Fund, will not be needed, and the Motor Fuel Tax suspension covers gas and diesel only.

"This represents significant savings that hard working families need now more than ever," said Senate President Rob McColley. "Senate Republicans have a long history of reducing the tax burden ranging from reducing income taxes to enacting significant property tax reforms and this reinforces our belief that your paycheck starts with you instead of the government."

For accounting purposes, the MFT will be reduced to .0001 cent per gallon, which also protects certain border counties from seeing unintended tax consequences due to neighboring states levying their own tax on fuel sold into Ohio if no other tax is levied.