RALEIGH, N.C. — Attorney General Jeff Jackson launched N.C. Fuel Check so drivers can report gas stations they believe are not passing along savings from the states 41-cent-per-gallon tax on gas and diesel until Nov. 30.
Gov. Josh Stein signed Session Law 2026-62 on Oct. 9. Effective October 10, 2026, through November 30, 2026, the motor fuel excise tax rate is zero cents per gallon on gasoline, diesel and alternative fuels. The Department of Revenue said taxpayers must still file motor fuel returns during the suspension.
Jackson said he sent letters to gas retailers and distributors stating that the law requires them to pass those savings to customers. Through Fuel Check, the Department of Justice will look over gas price data for station outliers whose prices stay well above nearby stations.
Prices will not drop everywhere at once. Stations are still selling fuel bought with the tax already paid, and Jackson said this should happen within about a week as new untaxed deliveries arrive for most stations.
Jackson said his office has already received complaints from drivers about potentially inflated prices. Businesses found not complying could face penalties of up to $5,000 per transaction. Drivers can report stations at ncdoj.gov/ncfuelcheck or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM with the station name, address, date, price and nearby comparisons.
The attorney general said the goal is to make sure the suspension becomes relief for families rather than windfall profits for retailers once new inventory reaches the pump across North Carolina.
