N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-449.62

This Article imposes a tax on motor fuel to provide revenue for the State's transportation needs and for the other purposes listed in Part 7 of this Article. The tax is collected from the supplier or importer of the fuel because this method is the most efficient way to collect the tax. The tax is designed, however, to be paid ultimately by the person who consumes the fuel. The tax becomes a part of the cost of the fuel and is consequently paid by those who subsequently purchase and consume the fuel.