ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Five days into North Carolina’s gas tax holiday, some drivers are already seeing lower prices at the pump. But for some smaller gas stations, passing those savings along may take time.
The temporary suspension, signed into law by Governor Josh Stein on Friday, is intended to provide relief for drivers through November 30. The law requires gas stations to pass the tax savings on to customers, but some stations say the cost of fuel they already have in their tanks makes it difficult to lower prices immediately.
For some Asheville drivers, the difference is already noticeable.
“I saw that it was $3.60 and pulled over just because I was like, I’ll fill up now before it goes back up,” said Asheville driver Emma.
Matthew Walton, who lives in south Asheville, also noticed a significant drop at a gas station he regularly visits.
“Last week at this time it was $4.19 and this week, same gas station, $3.68,” Walton said.
While the lower prices are welcome news for drivers, some are concerned about what will happen when the temporary tax suspension ends.
GAS PRICES IN ASHEVILLE AREA DROP AFTER GAS TAX HOLIDAY PASSED IN NORTH CAROLINA
“I mean, it’s nice for the next few weeks, but overall, I feel like everybody could agree, we want gas prices to go down,” one driver said.
Gas prices have risen since the start of the war with Iran, putting additional pressure on drivers already dealing with higher costs.
The tax suspension is intended to offer some relief, but not every gas station can immediately adjust its prices.
