North Carolina legislature approves bill to suspend gas tax

CHARLOTTE — The North Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill that would suspend the state’s gas tax until the end of next month.

The bill will now head to Gov. Josh Stein’s office for his signature.

Legislators called for a special session that began Wednesday to address the price of gas, which averages $4.12 in the state, according to AAA.

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Fuel prices in the U.S. have risen sharply in 2026 in the wake of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, which affected shipping routes and oil refineries in the Middle East, along with ongoing attacks in the Russia-Ukraine war affecting refineries and supplies.

The state gas tax in North Carolina is 41 cents per gallon, according to the Department of Revenue.

Legislators passed a bill to suspend the motor fuel tax until Nov. 30, 2026. The bill also waives penalties for highway use of dyed diesel that’s meant for agricultural purposes until Dec. 30.

To replace the revenues from suspending the gas tax, the legislature is asking for the state to transfer money from the Stabilization and Inflation Reserve.

The bill passed in the House Wednesday afternoon, and then passed in the Senate unanimously just before 4 p.m.

Gov. Josh Stein has signaled his support for the bill.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Check back on WSOCTV.com and watch Eyewitness News at 5 for the latest.