North Carolina’s motor fuel excise tax is suspended through November 30th, 2026, covering fuel purchases in Asheville and across the state. Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 3 on October 9th, and the zero-cent-per-gallon rate took effect October 10th.
The law requires the savings from the suspended tax to reach consumers through the price they pay per gallon. It directs that motor fuel costs exclude the state motor fuel tax that otherwise would have applied during the suspension.
A separate provision addresses fuel whose cost already includes tax accrued before the suspension began. Retailers are not required to reduce the price of that fuel, so the law’s consumer-price requirement includes an exception for previously taxed inventory…