Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague posted a video from a Speedway station saying gas prices in the state had fallen an average of 44 cents over the last week, and credited the drop to Republican leadership. In the clip, he points to a temporary fuel tax cut as relief for Ohio families. The post drew a heavy reply thread, with many users calling the claim a temporary publicity stunt rather than a lasting price cut.
The video shows Sprague standing at night in a Speedway lot in Mansfield, in front of a price sign reading $3.57 for regular. He says, “Over the last five days we’ve seen a 44-cent reduction in the price of gas in the state of Ohio. Why? Because under Republican leadership we suspended the motor fuel gas tax here in the state of Ohio.”
He adds that the cut is “making a difference for Ohio families” and “addressing that affordability crunch that so many families are facing,” and closes with, “Under good Republican leadership as treasurer, I endorsed that and supported it, and that’s what I’ll do as your next Secretary of State.” The clip does not show him pumping gas, and it does not show prices from earlier in the week.
The drop he describes lines up with a 90-day fuel-tax holiday Gov. Mike DeWine signed after lawmakers passed House Bill 519 with Republican and Democratic votes. The measure suspends the state’s 38.5-cent gasoline tax and 47-cent diesel tax through Jan. 2, 2027, and shifts about $725 million from the general fund to cover road spending.
Responses to the Mansfield Gas Station Video
On X, many replies treated the credit claim as a temporary fix. Sage & Soil wrote, “This is the result of a publicity stunt. A temporary publicity stunt. It’s insulting, really.” Steve kept it shorter: “Temporarily. Just for the election.”
Others said Republicans were claiming credit for a drop they helped create. Matt wrote, “Republican leadership got us into the problem in the first place. No credit for solving a problem you caused.”
Jeff DeCola added, “So your side started a war that increased the price of gas, then you artificially reduced the price of gas. No money coming to fix roads, bridges, etc.”
Away from that thread, drivers interviewed by local stations focused on the lower price itself. One Cincinnati driver said, “That’s great great news. I love to hear that.” Another said she filled up after a text about $3.58 gas and had “no complaints.”
Patricia Stern told Spectrum News she “was thrilled to see what the price was today” and that “every little bit helps.”
Officials who backed the holiday struck a similar note. Gov. Mike DeWine said, “People are hurting because of the high cost of fuel. This will bring some relief.” Democratic Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney said, “At the end of the day, I am glad we’re doing something to help people.”
It’s unclear whether the Mansfield clip will change how voters read the 90-day tax holiday. The post remains part of a wider argument over who gets credit for the drop, and how long the lower prices will last.
