Senate Republican leaders penned a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday, asking that he suspend New York’s gas tax after a ransomware attack forced one of the nation’s largest pipeline operators to shut down operations.

The Colonial Pipeline, which runs from Texas to New Jersey, transports roughly 45 percent of the East Coast’s fuel supply, carrying 100 million gallons of fuel per day between Texas and New York.

Over the last week, the national average for a regular gallon of gas has risen 6 cents, bringing the total to $2.96, according to AAA. The auto club says if that trend continues, it could bring the national average to $2.99, the priciest gas has been since November 2014.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has already caused serious harm to our economy,” Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said. “The price of gas plays a major role in our economy and in order to help our economy get back on its feet, it’s critically important to keep prices at the pump under control. New York’s gas tax is among the highest in the nation and we implore you to suspend the gas tax immediately.”

Earlier this week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp temporarily suspended the gas tax by executive order.

According to the Tax Foundation, New York currently has the seventh-highest gas tax in the country, at 43.12 cents per gallon. California currently has the highest gas tax at 62.47 cents per gallon.

“Policies at the federal level have caused prices to increase on everything from food to household goods,” Deputy Senate Minority Leader Andrew Lanza said. “Now gas prices are skyrocketing because of the foreign cyber terrorists attacking our pipeline. New Yorkers cannot afford this latest cost increase as they try to make ends meet. Governor Cuomo must deliver relief until this crisis passes.”

The State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in conjuction with the Governor's office say at this time there have been no reported gasoline shortages in any area of the state.

"New York State is communicating directly with the Federal Government to ascertain the potential impact of the Colonial Pipeline shutdown. At this time, State regulators and authorities are closely monitoring distribution and pricing in New York and have received no indication of supply challenges or price impacts to New Yorkers as a result of the shutdown, nor have we seen price spikes affecting New Yorkers. While one of the Colonial Pipeline’s major supply lines has resumed service, New York continues to receive fuel from sea and truck deliveries. The State will continue to work closely with our federal and state partners, as well as fuel distributors, to monitor the issue and safeguard the supply chain for all New Yorkers."

The state Department of Transportation also issued an “exemption from hours of service” to match the federal exemption, to create more flexibility for motor carriers and drivers and to ensure the fuel supply can be delivered throughout the state.