Indiana gas prices set to jump 23¢ on May 8
Governor Braun has the power to stop it
Hoosiers’ wallets will be feeling a bit lighter in May after Governor Braun’s gas sales tax holiday comes to an end. Reporting from Tom Davies at Indiana Capital Chronicle cites a 6¢ increase in price when the holiday ends, but Hoosier will feeling something higher. The “at the pump” price will 23¢ higher per gallon from April to May. If the chaos from Trump’s needless Iran War doesn’t subside, we could see even higher gas prices with a 23¢ tax cherry on top.
Braun enacted the gas tax holiday on April 8th for 30 days. He is quoted in the press release: “I am declaring a gas tax holiday to give Hoosiers relief from the pain at the pump from high gas prices. Affordability is my top priority.” The press release conveniently makes no mention of the cause of the current affordability crisis. If Indiana is worried about energy affordability, maybe the energy sales tax exemptions afforded data centers could be given to small businesses, the disabled, or hard working families instead?
In a city like Indianapolis transportation cost increases aren’t optional. It’s estimated that ~80% of workers in Indianapolis commute by car. Hoosiers spend about 3-4% of their income on gasoline, and 15-20% on transportation, making us the 6th worst place to live for gas expenses in the US. Gas prices don’t stop at the pump. Gasoline is the life blood of our economy. This will affect everything.
The bad news, gas prices are unlikely to come down for the rest of 2026. A recent article from Stanford’s Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) explains, “Under the latest forecast, we project gas prices will peak at over $4.25 per gallon in May, and that the average household will pay $857 more for gasoline over the rest of the year…. even once the Strait reopens and crude prices begin to normalize, consumers are likely to be paying more at the pump for weeks or months longer…”
This will hit hard working Hoosiers the hardest. This manufactured economic crisis comes after years of wage stagnation, rising inflation, political instability, and rampant corporate greed. People protest and governments turn a blind eye.
So… What is the solution? I’ll give you three options starting from the hardest to easiest problem to solve.
Open the Strait of Hormuz
No Hoosier can make that happen. Sorry.
Governor Braun extends the sales tax holiday
Upside: More money in Hoosiers’ pockets
Downside: Robbing Peter to pay Paul while Indiana is already facing a budget shortfall charged to the working class and disabled
What you can do: Call, email, and/or ask Braun to extend the tax holiday until the Strait of Hormuz is open. This would put pressure on the Washington Republican establishment. Don’t forget to ask your Republican relatives to do it too.
Find alternative transportation and energy sources
Buy a bike. Tap into your community to understand needs and set up a carpool. Disabled and elderly people may need extra help with rising energy costs.
Contact your city councilor to see if there are any resources available.
I know the times are uncertain, and life doesn’t always feel good, but remember: feelings are temporary. Life is worth living even when it doesn’t feel that way. Find community and connection. Be kind to others. You have more power than you may think.
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