ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Nearly a dozen candidates running for New York State Senate or Assembly in November will hold a news conference on Monday, calling on state and federal leaders to suspend gas taxes amid the war with Iran.
The renewed push to suspend the gas tax comes as millions of Americans are expected to travel for Memorial Day weekend. It also comes as gas prices in Rochester continue to rise, hitting around $4.59 per gallon in Rochester on Monday, according to AAA’s website.
So, how much relief could a pause on gas taxes provide? News10NBC’s Garrett Chan crunched some numbers. He found that a pause on federal and state gas taxes could provide some relief, dropping prices around 43 to 52 cents per gallon.
What would it take to pause the gas tax?
President Donald Trump has said he wants to suspend the federal gas tax. However, suspending the tax would require an act of Congress. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have already been pushing for a gas tax suspension, with some legislation in Congress now proposing a halt through Oct. 1.
The federal gas tax has never been suspended. In the past, lawmakers have argued that it would reduce money toward the Highway Service Fund. That generates billions of dollars every year to maintain highways, bridges, and other road infrastructure across the country.
On the state level, a few states have already paused their gas tax, including Georgia, Indiana, and Utah. At least seven others are considering it ahead of Memorial Day weekend. In New York, the last time the gas tax was suspended was in 2022. That came a few months after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Some state lawmakers say that suspending the tax would help combat the rising costs.
The state gas tax suspension in 2022 lasted from June 1 through the end of the year. New Yorkers saved about 16 cents per gallon. Monroe County tacked on another eight-cent reduction on top of that.
The savings from the gas tax pause could add up. If you drive three and a half hours from Rochester to Albany, this suspension could save you anywhere from $6 to $10.
How high are gas prices now?
Gas prices have been rising locally and nationally since the war broke out because of the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Rochester’s average of $4.59 per gallon on Monday is around two cents higher than a week ago and 41 cents higher than a month ago.
Rochester’s average is higher than the national average, which is $4.51 per gallon. The national average hasn’t changed much compared to a week ago, but it’s 45 cents higher than a month ago. The state average is $4.60 per gallon on Monday.
The cheapest gas in the Rochester area on Monday is $4.35 per gallon at the Lake Stop & Go on Lake Avenue, according to GasBuddy. You can find the lowest price in your area through GasBuddy’s website.
How to find the cheapest gas price
In addition to checking GasBuddy’s fuel finder, News10NBC’s Deanna Dewberry has some tips to improve fuel efficiency or find the lowest price:
Keep your gas tank at least half full. This way, you have time to choose the cheapest gas station instead of what’s closest. Drive smoothly, as hard braking and acceleration can reduce fuel economy. Buy top-tier gas for better engine performance and fuel efficiency. Regularly check tire pressure, as low pressure can affect fuel efficiency. Use gas apps to find the cheapest gas nearby.RELATED:
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