COLUMBIA - Nudged by Gov. Mark Sanford, the House voted Wednesday to suspend the state's gasoline tax from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Sanford asked the House to set money aside in the budget to pay for the temporary elimination of the state's 16.75 cent-per-gallon gas tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The House opted instead to suspend the tax at the end of the year. Lawmakers estimate the plan will cost about $100 million.

The suspension, Mr. Sanford said, would be a "bottom-line benefit for a lot families who are struggling."

Lawmakers critical of the plan said that they are concerned that retailers wouldn't pass on the savings to consumers and that South Carolina taxpayers would be funding a break for out-of-state tourists if the General Assembly approves the budget request.

"Shouldn't we give the break to the actual citizens who are paying (for) it?" Rep. Brian White, R-Anderson, said.

House members did vote to require retailers to pass the savings on to consumers. Lawmakers also are considering a bill banning price gouging.

According to AAA, the average price per gallon of gas Wednesday was $2.81 in the Southeast. The national average is $2.88.

Mark Whittle said Wednesday that he would welcome a vacation from South Carolina's gas tax.

"I'd probably fill up some tanks at the house," Mr. Whittle said as he filled his Ford Explorer at a BP station in Jackson.

"Before gas prices went so high, I didn't think a second about going to Jackson, Miss., or Memphis, Tenn.," he said. "Now, I just can't afford it."

South Carolina Bureau Chief Josh Gelinas contributed to this story.