When I was a kid, booze and cigarettes were considered a Sin Tax. (Canada's taxes typically higher than USA, on most things.... then and now). When I say Sin, I imply no moral component (coming from me), that's just the "Sell".
Gasoline and it's derivatives, have just become another Sin Tax, IMO. You don't have to study much history, to see the power of using Guilt, as a manipulation tool.
Likely no jurisdiction on the planet uses the revenue just for Road Maintenance. I can't get my taxes back on what I use in my lawnmower, chainshaw, weedeater etc.....
"Expensive to be poor". Couldn't have said it better.
Before my time, it was only rich people that drove personal vehicles. History does tend to repeat, though sometimes not for the exact same reasons....
Rgds, D.