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On Thursday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order freezing the state gas tax.

The governor released the following statement: “Kentuckians cannot afford to pay more, and I am committed to doing everything I can to help keep more dollars in people’s pockets, This law was never intended to hurt Kentuckians during tough times, but with rising prices and inflation, this increase would have a negative impact on our families and it is time to take action.”

Doing so will prevent the occurrence of a 2-cent increase per gallon that would have taken place beginning July 1st. The emergency regulation was filed following Governor Beshear’s direct request to the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

The state’s current gas tax is 26 cents.

In addition, Beshear contacted Attorney General Daniel Cameron via letter asking for advice on if declaring a state of emergency in order to activate a price gouging statute to protect Kentuckians would be recommended.

This comes after an executive order was signed by the Governor in February that immediately stopped the increase of vehicle property taxes that took place due to accelerating used car values.

Gas prices in Winchester spiked to $4.59 per gallon earlier this week.

Revenue from the gas tax go to the state road fund.