RoadsThursday, November 12
Oregon's gas tax revenue is down 2.2% this year, ODOT says
The Daily Salem team
Oregon's gas tax money is shrinking. The Oregon Department of Transportation says motor fuel tax revenue is down 2.2% in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same stretch last year. Gas use in the state peaked in 2018 and has slipped since.
2.2%drop in motor fuel tax revenue, first nine months of 2026
ODOT officials said Friday the long-predicted decline is officially here.
The state gas tax is 40 cents a gallon with no scheduled increases, so it stays flat unless the Legislature acts. KTVZ reports that higher fuel prices this year, particularly since the war in Iran began this spring, sped up the drop.
“Transportation agencies at the city, county and state level across Oregon will now have fewer dollars to maintain and improve the transportation system.”
- Plug-in and electric vehicles registered in Oregon: more than 140,000
- Average Oregon car: over 25 mpg, up from 21 in 2016
Oregon's gas use peaked in 2018 and revenue likely peaked in 2025
- 2018Gasoline consumption in Oregon peaked.
- 2020A two-cent gas tax increase was in place for the year.
- 2022Another two-cent gas tax increase was in place for the year.
- 2024A third two-cent gas tax increase was in place for the year.
- 2025Gas tax revenue likely peaked.
- 2026Motor fuel tax revenue is down 2.2% through the first nine months.