NC drivers file 600 complaints as gas tax pause takes effect

Ten days after North Carolina paused its state gas tax, more than 600 drivers have reported pricing issues at local pumps.

The legislature suspended the 41 cent per gallon tax on October 18 to provide temporary relief to consumers. The pause is scheduled to last until the end of November. Attorney General Jeff Jackson said his office expects the change to save families hundreds of millions of dollars.

Jackson estimated the state will lose approximately $300 million in revenue during the suspension period. He stated that this amount should end up in the pockets of working families rather than becoming windfall profits for gas station owners.

Despite the mandate, some drivers still see high prices at the pump. Lane Killian, a driver from Mt. Holly, noted that filling his truck is cheaper than before. He said he is on the road frequently and feels the difference immediately. Bobby Somerville, another Mt. Holly driver, felt the savings were not enough. He argued that oil companies need to lower base prices further.

Jackson identified two main signs of non-compliance. The first is a station that keeps the same price as before the tax suspension. The second is a station charging significantly more than its neighbors. He cited an example where one station charges four dollars per gallon while nearby stations charge $3.60.

A technical loophole allows stations to charge full prices for fuel purchased before October 18. Most neighborhood stations refill their tanks one to three times a week. Rural stations may refill less frequently. Jackson asked drivers to act as his eyes and ears to identify stations that fail to adjust their prices.

The Attorney General’s office is sending letters to non-compliant stations. If a station refuses to change its price after notice, it may face large fines. Drivers can submit complaints through a link provided by the state. Some motorists hope the state will review the impact before the November deadline to decide whether to extend the pause.