Today, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is calling on Massachusetts lawmakers to help provide fuel cost relief for small businesses, workers, and commuters. Immediate action is required to either reduce or suspend the $0.24 state gas tax until fuel prices begin to stabilize. The following statement is attributable to NFIB’s Massachusetts state director, Christopher Carlozzi.

“Whether delivering a pizza or building a home, small businesses across the Commonwealth are being impacted by a dramatic rise in fuel prices and Beacon Hill should take immediate steps to provide relief by reducing or suspending the $0.24 state fuel tax until this crisis abates.”

According to NFIB’s latest member survey, 26 percent of business owners are listing inflation as their top concern.

“Rising fuel costs not only effects virtually every industry in Massachusetts, but also hurts the wallets of the workers and consumers who are already coping with inflationary conditions. Lawmakers must act now to reduce the state fuel tax and help those small businesses, commuters, and working families simply trying to earn a living,” said Carlozzi.