Pennsylvania Truckers Pay the Nation's Highest Diesel Tax at 74.1 Cents, and Lawmakers Push to Cut It
Truckers who fuel up in Pennsylvania pay the highest diesel tax in the country, and some state lawmakers want to change that. Pennsylvania taxes diesel at 74.1 cents a gallon and gas at 57.6 cents, Land Line reported Monday, Oct. 26.
The tax adds to fuel costs that are already high. A DAT analyst says diesel now costs truckers about $181 more a day than in late February and early March.
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Match the neighbors
HB2841 would lower Pennsylvania's gas and diesel taxes to match the average rates in nearby states, which average about 37.8 cents a gallon in diesel tax, according to Land Line. Pennsylvania's rate is nearly twice that.
"This excessive fuel tax burden harms working families, commuters, farmers, small businesses and the trucking industry," said Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Connellsville. Warner warned high taxes could push truckers to buy fuel across state lines. Fuel stops in the state are on the Pennsylvania truck stop and weigh station map.
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Pause plans
Two other proposals would suspend gas and diesel taxes for 60 days, with the state borrowing money to replace the lost revenue, Land Line reported. Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton, said the break could help trucking, farming, manufacturing and construction.
Another bill would suspend both taxes for six months, using the state's Rainy Day Fund to cover the lost money.
None of the plans has passed. Land Line did not say when the bills were filed or whether they are scheduled for a vote.
Other states
- Massachusetts: The House Ways and Means Committee removed Gov. Maura Healey's proposed two-month pause of the 24-cent gas and diesel tax from a supplemental budget.
- Michigan: Lawmakers are considering plans to suspend the 52.4-cent fuel tax. Michigan diesel averages $6.46 a gallon.
- Georgia: Gas and diesel taxes are suspended through Nov. 30. More here: Georgia fuel tax suspension extended.
Even when a state pauses its tax, miles and fuel still go on quarterly IFTA returns, according to Land Line. The IFTA fuel tax calculator can help with the math, and the guide to IFTA due dates and rate changes lists filing deadlines.
A question for readers
When you run through Pennsylvania, do you top off before you cross into the state, or after you leave it?
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