CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia House Democrats are urging Governor Patrick Morrisey and state lawmakers to convene a special legislative session to temporarily suspend the state’s motor fuel excise tax amid rising gas prices.
According to Democratic lawmakers, the tax currently averages 36 cents per gallon. They say gas prices have climbed to an average of $4.00 per gallon statewide, with higher prices reported in some areas.
Since the United States entered a war with Iran on February 28, 2026, Democrats estimate West Virginians have paid $41 million more for fuel.
“West Virginia families are being squeezed at the pump every single day, and West Virginia Democrats are not going to stand by and do nothing,” said House Democratic Leader Sean Hornbuckle.
“Suspending the gas tax is a direct, immediate way to put money back in people’s pockets. West Virginians deserve relief now.”
The proposed legislation would create a market-based system that automatically suspends the gas tax when wholesale fuel prices exceed levels recorded before the conflict began in February 2026.
Under the proposal, the tax would be reinstated once prices stabilize. The measure would be temporary and is set to expire January 1, 2027.
“This is a simple question of affordability,” said John Williams. “When families are forced to choose between filling their gas tank and buying groceries, something has to give. Our bill gives working West Virginians a real break at the pump during a genuine crisis.”
Democrats noted that West Virginia would follow the example of Georgia, which enacted a 60-day suspension of its gas tax on March 20. They said the move coincided with lower fuel prices in that state while prices continued to rise elsewhere.
