MASURY, Ohio (WKBN) — It’s as if gas prices dropped overnight — because that’s exactly what they did.
Drivers may have noticed the dip Sunday, as stations across the state are gradually removing the gas tax.
“I love it here. Gas is good,” West Middlesex resident Kim Hartle said. “What else could you want?”
“I’m very happy about this. My husband will be really happy,” West Middlesex resident Stacy Kuhn said.
On Thursday, Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law suspending the Ohio gas tax for 90 days. This took regular gas prices down by 38.5 cents and diesel down by 47 cents.
“It’s put a heck of a strain,” Kuhn said. “Yes. It’ll help out immediately.”
It kicked in at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. Some gas stations are still taking time to adjust, but others have already made the switch.
The gas station in Masury right off Route 62 — less than half a mile from the Pennsylvania state line — dropped its gas tax Sunday morning. Since then, it’s had a long line of cars waiting to get to the pump.
“Since we’re so close to the Pennsylvania line, it’s easier to come over here,” Hermitage resident Shawn Patterson said.
“I live in Sharpsville, but I work in Warren, Ohio, so I make the trip.” Sharpsville resident John Jackson said.
“It’s only 10 minutes to come, 15 minutes at max. So that works for me,” Hartle said.
Lawmakers estimate the move will save Ohioans between $3 and $7 per fill-up — but it could save Pennsylvania drivers crossing over the state line even more.
“Now it’s dropping lower in Ohio now than what it is in Pennsylvania,” Patterson said. “So come back across the line and get gas.”
“Just because we live over the border. Yeah. It’s cheaper here,” Kuhn said.
The price at one Ohio pump dropped to $3.69. Meanwhile, a gas station five minutes down the road in Pennsylvania was a dollar more.
“I would hope that Pennsylvania would jump on board and do the same thing,” Hartle said.
“Hopefully they, they take lead or, you know, ride the shirt tails of Ohio,” Johnson said.