Gasoline tax increase likely to be considered as state legislators look for new revenue

OKLAHOMA CITY — An increase in Oklahoma’s gasoline tax likely will be on the table next legislative session as state leaders look for new revenue.

The per gallon tax is one of the lowest in the nation and hasn’t been adjusted in nearly three decades, while fuel prices are comparatively low.

While Oklahoma’s gas tax has remained constant at 17 cents since 1987, making the state No. 47 in the nation, other states have been increasing theirs, including seven that have approved hikes that will go into effect Sunday.

An effort to boost Oklahoma’s tax by 3 cents per gallon failed to get out of a legislative committee earlier this year, but Rep. Earl Sears, who presented the bill, said the proposal is likely to come up again as lawmakers look for ways to close a budget hole approaching $900 million.

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