Up To $100 A Year, Automatic Surcharge Will Hit Millions Of Drivers!

Drivers across the state of Maryland are in for an unpleasant surprise as an automatic surcharge is set to be imposed on gasoline purchases, potentially costing them hundreds of dollars each year, The U.S. Sun reported.

Up To $100 A Year, Automatic Surcharge Will Hit Millions Of Drivers! (PHOTO: Veloce Motors The Vault)

Up To $100 A Year From Automatic Surcharge

Starting from July 1, the tax rate on gas in Maryland will increase by a staggering 10 percent, raising the rate per gallon to 47 cents, which is a significant 30 percent increase compared to two years ago.

Rising inflation and surging fuel prices are the primary factors contributing to this hefty surcharge, according to Maryland Matters. For every 15-gallon tank of gas, drivers will now have to bear an additional 65 cents due to the surcharge. This means that the average Maryland resident will end up paying over $366 annually in state fuel taxes alone.

Critics have swiftly voiced their opposition, labeling this decision as a burden on citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet. House Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R) argues that the increase in taxes contradicts claims of being a party that supports the middle class.

He highlights the fact that not everyone can afford an electric vehicle or prefers to live near public transportation options. For many hardworking Marylanders who rely on their standard, gas-powered cars to commute and provide for their families, the tax hike is a harsh blow to their finances.

READ ALSO: How To Bypass Automatic Fees From Popular Retail Stores? Check It Out Here!

Automatic Surcharge

The Comptroller’s office justifies the decision by citing a formula that factors in annual inflation and the average cost of a gallon of gas over a year. While the office claims to have provided early notice to Marylanders, Republican lawmakers have unsuccessfully pushed for decoupling inflation from the gas tax. They remain committed to fighting against these automatic increases, demanding transparency in the taxes imposed on motorists.

Unfortunately, this gas tax increase arrives at a time when many Americans are already bracing themselves for another automatic surcharge that will further drive up their grocery bills. The financial strain imposed by these additional costs is placing a heavier burden on households already grappling with the challenges of rising prices and inflation.

READ ALSO: Medicaid Expansion 2023: What You Need To Know About Changes And Eligibility In New York