RICHMOND – Virginia’s 2013 General Assembly has passed a
measure eliminating the state’s 17.5 cents per gallon gasoline and diesel
taxes, effective July 1.
In its place, a new tax will be imposed on a
cents-per-gallon basis: 3.5% of the average wholesale price of unleaded regular
at all Virginia racks over the last six month, or the average wholesale price
on February 20, 2013 — whichever is higher.
For the period of July 1 to December 31, 2013, the
per-gallon-tax for gasoline will be 11.1 cents and the tax on diesel will be
20.2 cents. Additionally, the Virginia Petroleum Storage Tank Fee of 6/10th of
a cent is assessed on every gallon. The existing 17.5 cents tax must be
assessed for all gallons purchased at the rack through 11:59 pm on June 30.
An additional tax of 2.1% of the wholesale price will be imposed in certain jurisdictions.