Gov. Braun announces gas tax holiday

As gas prices soared beyond $4 in Northwest Indiana, Gov. Mike Braun announced a 30-day suspension of Indiana's 7% usage tax. “I am declaring a gas tax holiday to give Hoosiers relief from the pain at the pump from high gas prices,” said Braun in a press release. “Affordability is my top priority.” AAA reported that national gas prices have topped $4 a gallon for regular gasoline for the first time in four years. Northwest Indiana drivers are paying prices between $4.27 and $4.19 in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. The national average was $4.16 per gallon. Illinois' prices were averaging $4.41 a gallon. California had the highest prices at $5.93 for a gallon of regular gas. Braun said the emergency declaration could be extended after further review. He also requested that gas retailers pass the tax relief onto to customers, and said officials will be “patrolling the pumps” to be sure savings are reflected in gas prices at the pump. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that gas prices very depending on how far the gasoline needs to be transported, supply chain disruptions like the conflict in Iran, regional competition, among other factors. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said the suspension of Indiana's gas tax is necessary because of “national instability.” “Indiana families desperately need this relief since they’re drowning in costs,” Smith said. “The additional $30, $40 or even $50 they’re spending on gas is money needed for groceries, prescriptions or the electric bill. Hoosiers have reached a breaking point, and this suspension will give them a little bit of breathing room.” He called for more action if prices stay high. Find tips on how to save money on gas from Ramsey Solutions here . Author Heather Pfundstein Publisher/Executive Editor - Linker Media Group Heather Pfundstein is the publisher and executive editor of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine and NWIndianaBusiness.com. She is an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years of experience in Northwest Indiana and northern Illinois newsrooms. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has been part of the magazine's team since 2018. View all posts Share on social