North Carolina lawmakers call special session to tackle rising fuel prices

North Carolina's top Republican lawmakers announced a special legislative session to address rising fuel prices, citing financial strain on families and farmers. The session aims to provide relief at the pump as prices remain sharply higher than a year ago. House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate Leader Phil Berger announced the plan Saturday, with Republicans holding large majorities in both chambers. The state could suspend part or all of its 41-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, which funds road construction and maintenance. Gas prices have risen since February, with North Carolina averaging $4.03 per gallon, below the national average of $4.38. The session comes weeks before midterm elections, with Democrats criticizing the move as a political distraction. Democratic leaders Robert Reives and Sydney Batch accused Republicans of failing to address affordability earlier. Other states, including Georgia, have suspended fuel taxes, though experts note such measures may have minimal impact due to wholesale-level taxation and potential price volatility.