RALEIGH, N.C. — Drivers who suspect North Carolina gas stations are pocketing the state gas tax break have already filed more than 220 complaints with a new reporting system run by the attorney general.
The 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax dropped to zero on Oct. 10 under Session Law 2026-62, which Gov. Josh Stein signed a day earlier. The rate stays at zero through Nov. 30 and covers gasoline, diesel and alternative fuels. The suspension does not change how sales tax or the separate inspection tax apply to fuel, according to the state Department of Revenue.
Attorney General Jeff Jackson opened the NC Fuel Check complaint form on Monday and sent letters to the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, fuel distributors and station owners spelling out that the savings must reach customers. Stations pay the tax when a tanker delivers a new load, so the break shows up as fresh fuel arrives, and Jackson said at a Tuesday news conference that most stations should be receiving untaxed deliveries by now.
Not every complaint has held up. Spot checks of several reported stations found pump prices had fallen, sometimes by 40 cents or more, and in at least one case the price on the roadside sign still reflected the old tax while the pump itself charged the lower rate.
Jackson has said he believes most retailers are following the law but wants the public to help flag outliers. His office reviews each submission and investigates when warranted. A station that keeps the savings risks an unfair and deceptive trade practices case, with fines that can reach $5,000 for each sale.
To file, drivers should provide the station name and address, the price per gallon, photos of the price sign and receipt, and a short explanation, either online through the Fuel Check form or by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
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