Gas Tax Windfall Fuels Calls for Relief

Suffolk County motorists struggling with soaring gasoline prices are getting hit twice: first by the cost of fuel itself, then by a stack of government taxes that can approach 70 cents per gallon.

The federal government collects 18.4 cents per gallon, while New York imposes an 8-cent excise tax, a 15.8-cent petroleum business tax and a nickel per 100 gallons for petroleum testing.

Another 8.75 cents comes from state and Metropolitan Transportation District sales taxes. Money flowing from suburban motorists to the New York City mass transportation system, has long been the bane of Long Islanders.

Suffolk adds a 4.375% sales tax calculated on the taxable gasoline purchase. Unlike fixed per-gallon taxes, this percentage-based levy increases as fuel prices rise, creating a government windfall when motorists can least afford it.

At $4.50 per gallon, for example, Suffolk's sales tax adds approximately 19 cents, bringing combined taxes and fees to about 70 cents per gallon, or $10.50 on a 15-gallon fill-up.

President Donald Trump has proposed temporarily suspending the federal gasoline tax, potentially saving motorists 18.4 cents per gallon. The move requires congressional approval.

New York Assembly Republicans have introduced legislation, A11583, suspending certain state gasoline and diesel taxes through the end of the year. The measure, opposed by the Democrat majority, remains stuck in committee.

“Affordability starts at the pump,” stated Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, a supporter of the tax suspension bill. “Government needs to give the taxpayers a break.”

DeStefano’s concern extends beyond motorists. Higher fuel costs increase transportation expenses for businesses, potentially driving up grocery prices, construction costs and deliveries.