Gov. Braun declares new emergency, gas pump savings will continue

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun on Wednesday proclaimed a new statewide energy emergency and reinstituted his suspension of Indiana’s Gasoline Usage Tax and Gasoline Excise Tax through September 5, continuing nation-leading relief for Hoosiers from high gas prices. 

Braun stated, “New conditions that continue to disrupt global energy distribution provide a new basis for a suspension of gas taxes. Gas tax suspensions delivered the cheapest gas in America for Hoosiers all summer. I’m keeping those savings going, and my recommended budget will tap our reserves to keep state and local infrastructure projects fully funded.”   

This new energy emergency is prompted by the latest disruptions to global oil shipping lanes in recent weeks, particularly in the Black Sea/Kerch Strait, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict has escalated into maritime drone battles, and the disruption to the Alberta Oil Sands Region from Canadian wildfires.

These disruptions have created new pressures on fuel prices, driving the price of gas for Hoosiers to unnatural levels outside the norm of standard economic conditions.  

The new energy emergency will take effect on Friday, August 7, following the expiration of the current energy emergency. Both gas taxes will again be suspended through September 5 in all 92 counties, resulting in separate suspensions that are consecutive.

Gov. Braun will reevaluate in 30 days to determine whether another pause is necessary. The new energy emergency provides a 120-day window of authority.   

The Governor has reached an agreement with House and Senate fiscal leadership to prioritize the use of funds available from the reserve balance during the 2027 budget session to replace lost revenue from the gas tax holiday. The reserve balance is currently on track to be over $5 billion.