As gas prices rise amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, Governor Andy Beshear announced several steps aimed at providing relief to Kentucky families.
The governor signed an emergency regulation freezing the state gas tax at 26.4 cents per gallon, preventing an increase scheduled for July 1. That move is expected to save Kentuckians about $1.7 million each month.
He also issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency that would cut the gas tax by an additional 10 cents per gallon. If approved by the state’s attorney general, the reduction could save residents nearly $27 million in just one month. The governor is urging quick action to make the cut take effect.
To ensure consumers benefit from the reduction, the state’s price-gouging laws have been activated.
In Washington, Beshear is also calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax through the end of the year, sending letters to congressional leaders and Kentucky’s delegation.
In a separate move, the governor signed an order to freeze the motor vehicle assessment rate, preventing a planned increase in property taxes on vehicles in 2027.
The announcement comes ahead of another expected break at the pump. Starting May 27, drivers in Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties should see prices drop by 10 to 25 cents per gallon after federal approval to remove the Louisville area from a specialized fuel program.
Beshear says the steps are meant to ease the financial strain on families facing higher costs at the pump and beyond.
Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman responded, saying Kentuckians should see lower gas prices, but criticized the governor’s broader tax record and accused him of playing politics and “running for President.”
Coleman’s office says he plans to sign and publish the executive order before May 11, when the governor’s order is set to take effect.
