All You Need to Know About the Fuel Tax in Alaska

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What does the fuel tax in Alaska cost?
Why does Alaska impose a fuel tax?
Ways to use less gas
Final Word
 
fueling-car-in-alaska

 

What does the fuel tax in Alaska cost?

The fuel tax in Alaska is 14.66 cents per gallon as of July 2019. This is the lowest fuel tax rate in the entire country. This is part of the price you pay per gallon when you buy gas. So, if you are paying $2.50 per gallon on gas in Alaska, the gas station is only getting about $2.35 per gallon.
 

Why does Alaska impose a fuel tax?

Fuel tax is nationwide. Every state imposes one. Simply put, the country knows that people need gas. So, they levy a gas tax to raise income for the state so they can complete projects such as road repairs. As we stated previously, this tax is included in the price of gas per gallon. So, you will not pay more than you initially estimated.

As of February 2020, the fuel tax in Alaska accounts for just over five percent of the price that you pay for gas. This number will obviously change as the price of gas increases or decreases.
 

Ways to use less gas

If you feel like the fuel tax puts the price of gas over the top, you can always try to use less gas. Here’s how:

  • Drive slower – If you drive at a slower speed, you will burn less fuel. This is because your engine needs to work harder the faster you drive. Thus, it needs to use more gas.
  • Keep it light – The more weight you have in your car the harder it will be on the engine. So, do not use your car as a method of storage if possible.
  • Make sure your tires are inflated – When your tires are properly inflated your car tends to use less mileage. This will burn less gas.
  • Cut out the idling – It might not be easy in Alaska because of the frequent low temperature, but you should avoid warming your car up because it is any easy way to use gas.
  • Skip driving altogether – You can always forego driving for walking or bike riding if your destination is close enough.

 

Final Word

The fuel tax in Alaska is nothing to get bent out of shape about. Especially since it is the lowest in the entire country. At about 15 cents per gallon, the tax on filling an average car (12 gallons) would only run $1.80 in tax. So, do not worry about the fuel tax taking a chunk out of your wallet in 2020. If you want to save on gas if you are headed to Alaska, you can always choose to ship your car to Alaska.

Category: Alaska Car Shipping.