LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Some relief is coming for Kentucky drivers.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday he is freezing the gas tax and preventing a future price hike.
The current gas tax is about 26 cents per gallon. Without the freeze, it would have risen to 27 cents in July.
Officials said the freeze is projected to save Kentuckians about $1.7 million combined per month.
“The American people are paying the costs of the war, and families are struggling at the gas pump, grocery stores and more – including right here in Kentucky,” Beshear said in a news release. “I recognize the pain our families are feeling and I’m taking steps to help because it’s the right thing to do.”
Beshear also declared a state of emergency related to gas prices. The executive order would reduce the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon.
It will take effect Monday, May 11, for both regular and diesel gas.
The order still needs to be approved by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. Coleman said in a statement that he will sign and publish the executive order before May 11, when it takes effect.
The state’s price gouging statute will be activated as well.
Beshear also signed an executive order to freeze the 2026 motor vehicle assessment rate ahead of an expected increase at the beginning of 2027.
This comes weeks ahead of an expected price decrease in Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties.
Beshear requested the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to remove the Louisville area from the federal Reformulated Gasoline Program. It was approved in February.
Kentuckians living in those counties have been paying 10 to 25 cents more per gallon. The change will take place on May 27, 2026.
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