Texas Gas Prices Near $4 as Calls Grow to Suspend State Gas Tax
Texas gas prices have hit nearly $4 per gallon, prompting renewed calls to suspend the state's 20-cent-per-gallon gas tax. According to AAA data, the statewide average price for regular gasoline is currently at $3.93, up 10 cents from last week and more than $1.14 higher than this time last year.
The high prices are attributed to persistently high crude oil prices, which have hovered around $100 per barrel. This trend has been an unusual one for this time of year, when gas prices typically decline following the summer travel season.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is among those calling on Governor Greg Abbott to temporarily suspend the state's 20-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and undyed diesel. In a statement, Miller argued that suspending the tax would provide immediate relief to drivers, farmers, ranchers, and truckers as fuel costs remain elevated.
A spokesperson for the governor's office countered that there is no law or constitutional provision allowing the Governor to suspend the gas tax, stating that Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code is clear on this point.