ST. LOUIS — For the first time in a quarter-century, Missouri’s gas tax has increased.
Starting Friday, Oct. 1, drivers filling up in Missouri will pay an additional 2.5 cents per gallon of gas.
Missouri has one of the lowest gas tax rates in the country at just 17 cents per gallon. The last increase to the gas tax in Missouri was approved in 1992.
Governor Mike Parson signed the increase into law in July. Friday’s increase represents just the first hike. The tax will actually increase yearly between now and 2025. When the increases are done, the state's tax rate will sit at 29.5 cents-per-gallon.
“There should be no need why they should increase gas. We don’t want it,” Afofin Konneh said while pumping gas in the St. Louis area Thursday.
When the tax is fully in effect it could raise about $500 million more for the state. The additional revenue will help repair roads and bridges in Missouri.
Even with the increased tax, it is still possible that there will not be enough money to stay on top of maintenance. The Missouri Department of Transportation faces a $745 million gap for high-priority road and bridge work.
“It’s still gonna be better than it is in Illinois, but it sucks to have to pay more,” said Austin Fohne, who lives in Madison County, Illinois, but works in Missouri.
Many Missouri drivers could be eligible for a gas tax refund starting this year, but it will take some work to get money back.
The Missouri Department of Revenue has a form you can fill out to get a refund for the additional 2.5 cents-per-gallon. It is found on the revenue website here.
“The refunds are a way to hopefully appease the folks that may not necessarily support the tax and a way for them to essentially see no change you know in the costs of their driving," said Nick Chabarria, a Spokesman for AAA in St. Louis. "We’re supporting any reasonable measure to improve roadway conditions and roadway safety.”
Anyone interested in applying for the refund will have to track individual gas purchases starting October 1 through June 30, 2022.
Drivers will be able to start applying for refunds July 1, 2022.