Gas prices in the D.C. area are hitting heights not usually seen in the depths of winter — and that will be bad news for drivers this summer and for lawmakers considering raising gas taxes in Maryland and Virginia.
Gas hit an average of $3.76 per gallon in the District on Tuesday, about 50 cents higher than it was this time last year, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. Maryland’s average price Tuesday was $3.59. Virginia’s average was $3.50.
“Despite weak demand, prices at the pump have been on the rise at a time when they typically see a seasonal drop, much to the dismay of motorists,” AAA Mid-Atlantic’s John Townsend said. “According to some analysts, speculation surrounding events in the Middle East, coupled with Northeast refinery closings, will steadily push gas prices up in the coming weeks and months.”
Townsend said gas prices usually climb at least 40 cents from their winter low to their summer high — meaning that the Washington area’s gas prices are on track to top $4 by Memorial Day and to beat the national all-time high of $4.11 by midsummer.
The surging price of gas may derail efforts to raise the gas tax in Maryland and Virginia to pay for transportation projects, Townsend said.
“We’re going into an election year, and this does not bode well for any elected official, state or federal,” he said.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley proposed a 6 percent sales tax on gas, phased in over three years. If the full increase were in effect now, gas would be about 21 cents higher — about $3.80 per gallon.
The Virginia Senate is considering tying the state’s gas tax — at the same level since 1987 — to the rate of inflation, so increases would be automatic. But the House of Delegates has signaled that it wouldn’t support a gas tax hike, and Gov. Bob McDonnell wants to shift existing sales tax revenues to roads so a gas tax hike is unnecessary.
