HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – People are feeling the impact of rising gas prices across the nation and locally in Hopkinsville and Christian County. According to information from the AAA website, as of May 5 the average gas price for Hopkinsville is $4.21, rising noticeably from the previous day which was $4.04 on May 4. This time last year, regular fuel prices were an average of $2.85 in Hopkinsville.
“The American people are paying the costs of the war, and families are struggling at the gas pump, grocery and more, including right here in Kentucky,” said Gov. Andy Beshear in a news release. “I recognize the pain our families are feeling and I’m taking steps to help because it’s the right thing to do.”
On May 5, Gov. Beshear announced that he signed an emergency regulation to freeze the gas tax at 26.4 cents per gallon ahead of an expected increase to 27 cents per gallon on July 1. He also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency related to gas prices.
This order will reduce the gas tax by 10 cents, which should result in a 10 cent per gallon price decrease for Kentuckians. Beshear requested the order take effect as soon as possible for both regular and diesel.
To enforce the reduction and ensure providers do not keep the 10 cents, he also activated the state’s price-gouging statute. In addition, Beshear sent two letters urging leadership in Congress and leaders in Kentucky’s congressional delegation to suspend the federal gas tax until the end of the year.
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