DETROIT – President Joe Biden is considering a federal gas tax holiday to reduce prices. Right now, drivers in Metro Detroit are paying an average of $5.26 per gallon.
Suspending the federal gas tax would drop prices by about 18 cents per gallon, putting prices at around $5.08, which is still pretty high but is better for the consumer.
“Save you 18 cents a gallon, that’s pretty good,” said a man pumping gas.
“It’s not a huge impact, but it’s something, and I think every little bit helps,” said a woman pumping gas.
“Eighteen cents is 18 cents when you’re taking a 20-gallon tank,” said another man.
“I don’t think it’ll do much, but I wish him well with that,” said another man.
President Biden is considering temporarily halting the federal gas tax as prices at the pump hit new record highs.
“I hope I have a decision based on data I’m looking for by the end of the week,” said Biden.
Tens of millions of people are expected to hit the road for the July 4 weekend, but these prices are forcing many to reconsider.
“We had plans to go on vacation this summer, and now we’re rethinking maybe postponing, and we’ve also sold a car,” the woman said.
“A lot do families can’t go to their cabin,” the man said. “It’s probably going to cost me $400 in gas before we could go on a whim. Now we can’t afford to because it’s taking away from other bills.”
On Sunday, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said she’s concerned removing the gas tax might affect funding for the President’s infrastructure projects.
“Yea, you need the roads, but you need gas, and then you have to fix your car if the roads are messed up,” the man said. “It’s all hand in hand.”
“Every road I take is under construction, so I don’t know how it is going to hurt us too much, but people in this state are hurting more,” the man said.
If he could, the man said he would ask President Biden for help as we all need it.
President Biden is expecting to make a decision by the end of the week.
