With gas prices rising as a consequence of the the U.S. war on Iran, some lawmakers are hoping to temporarily suspend Maryland’s 46 cents-per-gallon gas tax.

Republicans announced plans on Thursday to seek a 30-day suspension of the tax, but it’s not clear whether they’ll get the buy-in from Democrats that would be necessary to make their idea a reality.

“Our proposal is just to temporarily suspend that for 30 days to provide immediate relief,” said Sen. Justin Ready, a Republican representing parts of Carroll and Frederick counties. “It would take effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, so Marylanders would see benefit right away.”

Gas prices have shot up since Republican President Donald Trump launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, a conflict that also has involved Israel. A key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz largely has been blocked, preventing the transport of oil through the region.

Advertise with us

In the past month, the average price of gas in Maryland rose more than 90 cents to $3.822 per gallon, from $2.906, according to AAA.

“When prices go up, the state should not pile on when we have a conflict that’s affecting us,” Ready said during a press conference. “State government needs to make some sacrifices.” Ready said he has “zero problem” with the U.S. targeting Iran.

Republicans will make two attempts to suspend the gas tax. Senators will propose a bill, though it would face procedural hurdles coming with barely three weeks left in the legislative session. And delegates will attempt to amend the state budget as it works through their chamber next week.

For either effort to succeed, Republicans would need support from Democrats who hold the majority in Annapolis, and it wasn’t immediately clear whether that would happen.

A spokesman for Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, threw cold water on the idea of a gas tax holiday.

Advertise with us

“If Maryland Republicans are serious about lowering costs, they should pick up the phone and call Donald Trump and tell him to end this missionless war — instead of asking Maryland taxpayers to help pay for it,” Moore spokesman Ammar Moussa wrote in a statement. “This war is costing more than a billion dollars a day and driving up the price of oil, fuel, and everyday goods.”

House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk was leading a floor session right after the Republican announcement and wasn’t available for comment. Senate President Bill Ferguson likewise was leading a floor session, and a spokesperson said he hadn’t reviewed the proposal.

Sen. Stephen Hershey, the Senate minority leader from the Eastern Shore, acknowledged the hurdles ahead.

Even so, he said: “We think it’s well worth the conversation.”

While shaving 46 cents off the price of gas seems attractive, it comes at a cost: The gas tax money typically goes into the Transportation Trust Fund, which pays for projects ranging from highway repaving to new interchanges and mass transit upgrades.

Advertise with us

The last time Maryland instituted a gas tax holiday was in 2022, when Russia first invaded Ukraine and sent gas prices spiking. That 30-day holiday was approved on a bipartisan vote in the General Assembly and signed into law by then-Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican.

The state lost about $100 million in gas tax revenue during the 2022 holiday. At that time, the gas tax was 36 cents per gallon, so suspending the tax this year could cost the state even more in lost revenue.

Maryland ran a roughly $2 billion budget surplus when the state suspended the gas tax. This year, the governor and lawmakers are closing a $1.4 billion shortfall.

Asked about losing out on money the state needs for transportation, Republican leaders said they weren’t concerned, believing that the gas tax may even out by the end of the year.

“I don’t think it will cause a massive fiscal hole to the Transportation Trust Fund,” said Del. Jason Buckel, a Western Maryland Republican and the House minority leader. “I think it’s something that can be repaired, as long as it’s on a short-term basis.”