With a bill in place to suspend the state’s 41-cent gas tax through November, prices at the pump are expected to fall, but it could take a little while for those changes to occur.
Prices won’t drop everywhere at once. Since gas stations pay the tax when they receive a new delivery of gas, many stations are still selling fuel they bought with the tax already paid. The law accounts for that process, but prices are expected to come down as stations receive new deliveries, which for most stations should happen within about a week.
N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson has launched N.C. Fuel Check, an online reporting program where drivers can report gas stations they believe are not passing along the savings at the pumps. NCDOJ will review publicly available gas price data to look for outliers, such as a station whose prices stay well above comparable stations nearby.
“If gas stations see their costs drop by 41 cents per gallon but don’t pass that along to drivers, that’s a massive windfall for these companies instead of relief for families,” Jackson said in a press release issued Tuesday. “My job is to make sure the savings reach the families.”
Last week, the North Carolina General Assembly passed, and Gov. Josh Stein signed into law Session Law 2026-62, which suspends the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel through Nov. 30, 2026. The suspension took effect Oct. 10.
In a statement, Stein said, “Rising grocery, utility, and gas prices are making the costs too high for people across our state. I am signing this bill to keep more money in people’s wallets, but this temporary relief is just one step. I remain committed to continuing to work with anyone who wants to make everyday living more affordable all year long – not just during election season.”
According to the NCDOJ press statement, Jackson sent letters to gas retailers and distributors, notifying them that the law requires them to pass their tax savings on to customers.
Members of the public can also report gas stations they believe aren’t complying with the law. To handle the volume of reports, NCDOJ has created a dedicated reporting page at ncdoj.gov/ncfuelcheck. Drivers can also call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
Reports should include:
- Station’s name and address.
- Date and time of the visit.
- Price per gallon.
- Grade of the fuel at the station.
- A photo of the price sign and the receipt.
- A detailed explanation of why you believe the savings weren’t passed on.
- Prices at nearby stations, if you noticed them.
- Additional supporting documentation.
