Fort Mill and Tega Cay drivers who fill up across the state line in North Carolina stand to save 41 cents per gallon after the state suspended its gas tax Saturday, Oct. 10.

Gov. Josh Stein signed the Relief at the Pump Act on Friday, Oct. 9, pausing North Carolina's gas tax through Nov. 30. The NC House passed the bill 111-1 and the Senate 41-0 during a special session on Wednesday, Oct. 7, WSOC-TV reported.

The savings won't appear overnight. Stations have already paid the tax on fuel in their tanks. Prices should drop as stations receive new shipments purchased after the law took effect.

"Every dollar counts when folks are struggling to pay their bills at the end of the month," Stein said at the signing at Hickory Nut Gap Farms in Fairview, N.C. "But this is not a comprehensive solution to people's struggles."

The suspension will cost North Carolina an estimated $360 million in transportation revenue. The state plans to replace the lost funds from its Stabilization and Inflation Reserve, according to WSOC-TV.

York County prices top $4

Gas in York County averaged $4.06 per gallon as of Friday, Oct. 9, according to WSOC-TV. In neighboring Mecklenburg County, the average was $4.15. Nationally, gas averaged $4.46 per gallon the week of Oct. 7, up more than 30% from a year ago, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data reported by WBTV.

The price gap means Fort Mill residents who cross into Charlotte for work or errands could see meaningful savings once NC stations reflect the suspended tax.

SC attorney general pushes for matching relief

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, the Republican nominee for governor, has called for a 120-day suspension of South Carolina's gas tax since March. The state's motor fuel user fee is 28 cents per gallon, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Wilson said Thursday, Oct. 8, that South Carolina could tap its rainy day fund to cover the lost revenue. He pointed to both North Carolina and Georgia, where Gov. Brian Kemp suspended that state's gas tax for 38 days starting Sept. 29, as reported by Audacy's 989 WORD.

Wilson wrote on X that as governor he would seek authority to suspend the gas tax for up to 120 days during price spikes.

McMaster opposes suspension

Gov. Henry McMaster has consistently opposed a gas tax suspension. On Sept. 15, as prices climbed past $4, McMaster told WIS-TV he did not want to "short ourselves for the future." He said the price spike may be temporary and that rainy day funds should be reserved for crises.

No source confirms the South Carolina General Assembly has scheduled a vote or special session on a gas tax suspension. Wilson faces Democrat Jermaine Johnson in the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting in South Carolina runs Oct. 19 through Oct. 31.