Timken Approves Gas Tax Suspension

September 30, 2026

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 519, which was amended to include provisions from Senate Bill 475, sponsored by Senator Jane Timken's (R-Jackson Township), to suspend Ohio's 38.5 cent per gallon gas tax and 47 cent per gallon diesel tax for 90 days.

Ohioans are estimated to save more than $725 million in fuel taxes at the pump.

"Suspending the gas tax brings needed relief to Ohioans in the face of rising prices," said Senator Timken. "Ohio’s strong conservative fiscal policies allow us to provide relief without having to use the ‘Rainy Day Fund’ or the ODOT budget to cover the cost of this suspension. I look forward to seeing everyone in the Buckeye State enjoy these savings as we head into this important holiday season.”

The MFT (Motor Fuel Tax) suspension covers gas and diesel only.

For accounting purposes, the MFT will be reduced to .0001 cent per gallon which also protects certain border counties from seeing unintended tax consequences due to neighboring states levying their own tax on fuel sold into Ohio if no other tax is levied.

Highway construction projects and local governments will not be negatively affected by the gas tax suspension as budget surpluses from this fiscal year will cover the tax holiday.

The state's "Rainy Day Fund" otherwise known as the Budget Stabilization Fund will not be needed.

“Ohioans have made their voices loud and clear,” added Senator Timken. “They want relief at the pump, and they want to keep more of their hard-earned dollars in their pockets. We owe it to the people of Ohio to provide relief during this time of financial hardship.”