Dear Governor Hochul:

We write to urge you to suspend state taxes on motor fuel and diesel motor fuel to provide relief 
to New York drivers who are facing high prices at the pump. New Yorkers are currently paying 
$4.60 per gallon for gasoline and nearly $6 for a gallon of diesel, placing a financial burden on 
drivers, families and businesses across the State. 

While we believe these price increases will be temporary, it remains imperative that the State takes 
action to ease the financial burden to New York families and businesses.
The last time gasoline prices in New York reached $5 per gallon, during the Biden Administration, 
the State implemented a temporary fuel tax holiday that you strongly supported. At the time you 
stated:

“Fuel prices have surged in recent months, hurting working families and small businesses 
the most and it is critical that we provide New Yorkers relief by suspending certain fuel 
taxes for the next seven months, New York is providing $609 million in direct relief to New 
Yorkers – a critical lifeline for those who need it the most.” 

In 2022, the State estimated the fuel tax suspension provided a reduction of at least $0.16 per 
gallon statewide. 

There is no question that New York households are struggling with the cost of gas prices at the 
pump and diesel prices indirectly through increasing prices of consumer goods. Motor fuel is not 
a discretionary expense for most who must travel to work and travel to deal with life’s daily needs. 
Diesel costs hit consumers through the increased transportation costs of goods which show up in 
the prices at food markets and other retail purchases.

Several counties have recognized the urgency of this situation and are providing sales tax 
relief including Dutchess, Onondaga, Rockland, Putnam and Ulster Counties.

We urge you to work with us to suspend state taxes on motor fuel and diesel motor fuel and provide 
some financial relief to New York drivers, families and businesses.