Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Propane Education and Research Program

The State Liquefied Compressed Gas Board (Board), established within the Mississippi Insurance Department, regulates matters regarding liquefied compressed gas within the state. The Board may issue grants for the research and development of more cost-effective uses of propane, for educational and safety programs, and for the market development of propane. The Board must review all proposals. For more information, see the Mississippi Insurance Department's Liquefied Compressed Gas website. (Reference Mississippi Code 75-57-119)

Natural Gas and Propane Deregulation

The transmission, sale, or distribution of natural gas and distribution or sale of propane is deregulated when used as motor vehicle fuel. (Reference Mississippi Code 77-3-3 and 77-3-11)

Natural Gas Tax

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used as motor fuel must be sold in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGE) or diesel gallon equivalents (DGE). A GGE of CNG is equal to 5.66 pounds (lbs.) and a DGE of LNG is equal to 6.06 lbs.

Operators of motor vehicles capable of using natural gas must pay an annual flat rate privilege tax if the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 lbs. or less. Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) with a GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs. are subject to privilege taxes charged per hundred cubic feet of CNG and per diesel gallon equivalent of LNG; operators must prepay a portion of this tax annually. The Mississippi Department of Revenue may require the operator of five or more NGVs to pay the tax on all fuel purchased for any purpose; in this case, the fuel distributor will collect the excise tax at the time of sale or delivery. Distributors of natural gas for use in motor vehicles must also pay a privilege tax. Taxes on distributors and utilities do not apply to sales or deliveries made to persons who hold permitted compressed gas user's decals.

(Reference Mississippi Code 27-59-11 and 75-27-114)

Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Definitions and Requirements

All producers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers of biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and renewable diesel blends must register their product with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (Department) 30 days before selling the product. All biodiesel and biodiesel blends offered for sale must be appropriately and conspicuously labeled. Blends up to 5% biodiesel (B5) must be labeled "may contain up to 5% biodiesel;" blends of B6 to B20 must identify the volume percentage of biodiesel; and blends over B20 must identify the volume percentage of biodiesel and be labeled "consult vehicle manufacturer fuel recommendations."

Biodiesel is defined as an oxygenated fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids from biologically derived oil and fats. A biodiesel blend is defined as a fuel comprised of a specified ratio of biodiesel with petroleum-based fuel. Biodiesel and biodiesel blends must meet specifications set by the Department. Renewable diesel is defined as a conventional diesel fuel substitute produced from nonpetroleum renewable resources.

(Reference Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Regulations Subpart 4, Chapter 8, Section 113)

Ethanol Labeling Requirement

All gasoline containing 1% or more ethanol by volume offered for sale must be conspicuously identified as "with ethanol" or "containing ethanol." (Reference Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Regulations Subpart 4, Chapter 8, Section 106)