Raleigh -- October 28, 2026: For the second consecutive week, North Carolina drivers are finding the lowest fuel prices in the entire country as pumps continue to reflect the temporary suspension of the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuels tax.
As of Tuesday, October 27, regular unleaded gasoline in North Carolina averaged $3.42 per gallon, holding its position as the cheapest statewide average among all 50 states for two weeks running.
The current average represents:
A drop of 14 cents compared to last week’s average.
A decline of 72 cents compared to last month’s figures.
A rate that remains 63 cents higher than this time last year.
Legislative Relief at the Pump
The ongoing drop in fuel costs follows the enactment of the Relief at the Pump Act (Session Law 2026-62), which passed with broad bipartisan support during a special legislative session and was signed into law on Friday, October 9.
Key details of the suspension include:
Suspension Timeline: The 41-cent fuel tax holiday remains in effect through Monday, November 30, 2026. Regular state fuel tax collections will resume on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, unless lawmakers act to extend the measure.
Consumer Pass-Through: Fuel suppliers and retailers must pass the tax savings along to consumers once fuel bought before the effective date clears station tanks.
Transportation Funding Protection: To prevent shortfalls for road maintenance and highway projects, roughly $360 million was allocated from state reserves to replenish the Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund while the tax suspension is active.
Sources:
North Carolina General Assembly (Session Law 2026-62 / House Bill 3)
Office of Governor Josh Stein
North Carolina Department of Revenue
GasBuddy Statewide Fuel Price Tracking & Market Analysis
North Carolina Department of Justice / N.C. Fuel Check Consumer Protection Division