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States cut fuel taxes and ease rules as pump prices surge

Associated Press reports that roughly one-third of U.S. states have moved to offer tax relief or relax fuel mandates.

Updated Oct 3, 2026 · 22:04 UTC3 reports

The short version

Around a third of U.S. states have introduced fuel tax relief or waived restrictions to offset spiking energy costs amid conflict with Iran.[Associated Press]
Ohio lawmakers approved a 90-day fuel tax holiday, and Gov. Mike DeWine plans to sign a bill suspending the 38.5-cent gas tax through the remainder of the year.[Associated Press]
California ended its summer fuel requirements early under a mandate triggered by major price spikes.[Associated Press]
According to the AAA motor club, average regular gasoline reached $4.43 per gallon, marking a roughly 50% jump since the war began.[Associated Press]

About one-third of U.S. states have implemented some form of fuel tax relief, with many moving within the past week, according to an Associated Press review.[Associated Press]
AAA reported the average price of regular gasoline reached $4.43 a gallon on Wednesday, marking an increase of roughly 50% since the war with Iran began.[Associated Press]
Ohio lawmakers passed a 90-day state gas tax holiday with bipartisan support, while Gov. Mike DeWine's office indicated plans to sign a measure suspending the 38.5-cent gas tax and 47-cent diesel tax through the end of the year.[Associated Press]
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended summer-blend fuel requirements early, acting on legislation mandating regulatory reevaluation following sharp price jumps.[Associated Press]

The duration of broader price volatility and whether additional states will enact temporary tax suspensions remain contingent on the conflict with Iran.[Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.