Gov. Hogan suspends Maryland’s gas tax for 30 days

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – On Friday, Governor Larry Hogan signed a 30-day suspension of Maryland’s gas tax.

Maryland is the first state in the nation to implement a suspension of the gas tax, which is 36.1 cents per gallon for regular gasoline and 36.85 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.

“This gas tax holiday returns $100 million to Marylanders’ wallets and should provide economic relief for motorists who have seen prices soar in recent weeks,” said Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. “While I continue to believe that a three-month gas tax holiday would have offered more substantial savings and been easily absorbed due to the state’s historic surplus, any respite from the current pain at the pump is welcome.”

The legislation does not mandate that retailers reduce their prices by 36 cents, however, the Comptroller’s Office is working with industry leaders and the state’s roughly 2,300 gas stations to encourage them to lower their prices so motorists see the full savings at the pump.

Additionally, to ensure fairness and protect small business owners, Comptroller Franchot added language to the bill, providing refunds to businesses that already paid tax on their fuel shipments prior to the start of the 30-day period.

The gas tax holiday is in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 16th.