COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the White House continues to brainstorm solutions for high gas prices, AAA reported Ohioans are still driving.
What You Need To Know
- As solutions for high gas prices are being explored, AAA reported Ohioans are still driving
- The Ohio average gas price is $4.95/gal
- Ohio’s state fuel tax adds 38.5 cents/gal
- Federal tax adds 18.4 cents/gal
AAA Spokesperson Kimberly Schwind said drivers are out with the nice and warmer weather.
“We always call it the summer driving season,” said Schwind.
But, with Ohio’s average gas prices around $5, Schwind said Ohioans are being realistic about what their vacations and road trips look like this year.
“At about $5 a gallon, about 75% of Americans said that would have to change part of their lifestyle to offset those costs,” said Schwind.
The Biden administration asked Congress on Wednesday to suspend the federal gas and diesel taxes for the next three months.
The gas tax costs 18.4 cents for gas and 24.4 center for diesel. Ohio’s state gas tax adds another 38.5 cents for gas and 47 cents for diesel.
Schwind argued that money is often used for road maintenance and safety projects.
“We need to make sure they’re not impacting that funding for our roadways and maintaining our roadways,” said Schwind.
There are other concerns a gas tax holiday wouldn’t help ease prices as much as intended—in part because of oil companies. Biden said he will decide by the end of the week, and regardless of what it is, Schwind said Ohioans are already planning with the current prices.
“Really no matter where you’re traveling, you’re probably going to spend more than you did before the pandemic,” said Schwind. “And so people are weighing that when they’re taking a look at their vacation options.”
