There’s a Little-Known Law that’s Helping to Keep Grocery Prices High in Oklahoma
March 20, 2025 | 2 min to read
Last year, the Oklahoma Legislature eliminated the state’s 4.5% sales tax on grocery items, saving the median household about $235 annually. However, many Oklahomans still struggle financially at the grocery store, as reports list the state among the top 10 for the highest grocery costs and household income spent on food. This persistent issue is linked to the “Unfair Sales Act” of 1949, which continues to impact pricing dynamics in Oklahoma.
Last year, the Oklahoma Legislature eliminated the state’s portion of sales tax on grocery items. This 4.5% cut was estimated to save the median Oklahoma household approximately $235 a year, but citizens in our state can be forgiven if they still feel a financial pinch when they go grocery shopping.
Recent reports have listed Oklahoma in the Top 10 states with the highest cost of groceries, highest share of monthly household income spent on groceries, and the highest proportion of incomes used to purchase groceries. All these reports were published after the state eliminated its portion of the sales tax on grocery items, so what is keeping the price of groceries so much higher in our state?
Look no further than the “Unfair Sales Act” of 1949.
To learn more, please visit the Oklahoma Voice.