Mississippi’s average gasoline price for unleaded regular gas is the lowest of any state in the nation. However, pump prices in the state are about to go up with the start of the month of July. That’s because the state gas tax is set to rise three cents a gallon as part of legislation aimed at also lowering the grocery tax and phasing out the state income tax.
House Bill 1, passed in the 2025 legislative session, puts an increase in the gas tax in motion in phases over the next three years. The measure, passed by Gov. Tate Reeves will raise the tax to 21 cents a gallon on July 1, 24 cents a gallon on July 1, 2026, and 27 cents a gallon on July 1, 2027.
State Reps. Justin Keen (R-Byhalia) and Dan Eubanks (R-Walls) were among the sponsors of the bill.
The tax rate will be adjusted for inflation in 2029.
This is the first gas tax increase in Mississippi since 1987. Alaska has the lowest tax rate in the country at 8.95 percent, followed by Mississippi at 18 cents. Hawaii at 18.5 cents per gallon is the third-lowest in the USA.
As of Monday, the nation’s average gas price was $3.14 a gallon, while in Mississippi, the average price for unleaded regular was $2.66, followed by Tennessee at $2.709. DeSoto County’s average was $2.627 a gallon.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
