West Virginia Democrats Call for Special Session to Cut Gas Tax

Lawmakers aim to suspend state gas tax as prices rise 30-40% amid Iran tensions

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a lone gas pump in a small town, with the pump bathed in warm, golden light and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the economic challenges facing the community.As West Virginia grapples with soaring gas prices, lawmakers seek urgent relief measures to support struggling residents.Charleston Today

West Virginia House Democrats are calling for a special legislative session to ease gas prices across the state in the face of increasingly chaotic geopolitical circumstances. Since tensions have escalated in Iran, gas prices have risen 30% to 40%, prompting calls for cuts and outright eliminations of state and federal gas taxes.

Why it matters

Several states have already taken emergency action to ease the burden on consumers, and West Virginia Democrats say the rise in gas prices requires urgent legislative attention. Suspending the state's gas tax would lower prices by about 35 cents per gallon, providing much-needed relief for residents.

The details

House Democrats have drafted a bill to be introduced in a special session that would suspend the state's gas tax if prices rise above a $2.85 to $3 baseline. The bill aims to maintain funds for road projects by tapping into the state's $199 million budget surplus and rainy-day fund if needed.

  • Since tensions escalated in Iran in early 2026, gas prices in West Virginia have risen 30% to 40%.
  • The West Virginia legislature has been adjourned since mid-March 2026.

The players

Sean Hornbuckle

Minority Leader of the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Patrick Morrisey

Governor of West Virginia.

Roger Hanshaw

Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Craig Blair

Former President of the West Virginia Senate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In February, we had gas prices on average, $2.85 to $3. And so with our bill that we want to present once we go back for a special session, says that if we are to go above that baseline of that average, then we will suspend our gas tax for 30 days.”

— Sean Hornbuckle, Minority Leader, West Virginia House of Delegates

“He's responsible for all the people in the state and everything. I really do think people do need help at this point. But I don't think this is going to be a long-term thing.”

— Michael Beulike, Charleston Resident

“Going to my doctor in Boone County, that's like $40 to get there, then $20 to get back. A reduction of 35 cents per gallon would mean all the difference for me.”

— Lisa Freeman, Charleston Resident

What’s next

Should Governor Morrisey call a special legislative session, House Democrats say they are open to working across the aisle with Republican lawmakers on a bipartisan solution to provide gas price relief for West Virginians.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the need for state leaders to act quickly and decisively to cushion the impact of global events on local communities. A targeted, temporary gas tax suspension could offer much-needed relief while maintaining critical infrastructure funding.