Kemp suspends Georgia gas tax for 30 days amid rising fuel costs

Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days after declaring a state of emergency Monday due to global market volatility.

The suspension will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 29. The executive order also suspends state weight limits on commercial vehicles to reduce the cost of everyday goods.

“Over the past several years, with the help of our partners in the General Assembly, we’ve been able to give billions of dollars in relief to hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said in a news release. “We’ve remained committed to helping them and our small businesses fight through the tough times, and that’s why I’m taking this action today to give further relief.”

Kemp signed a gas tax suspension for 60 days back in March with the rising prices due to the war in Iran and decided to extend the suspension for two weeks in May when prices reached $4 per gallon of gas.

As of Sept. 30, the average price for a regular gallon of gas in Georgia was $4.05 down from the national average of $4.43 per gallon, according to AAA. A year ago the price in Georgia was $2.91.

Georgia’s current motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon of gasoline and 37.2 cents per gallon of diesel.

“Families, businesses and farmers across our state are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing costs at the pump,” said Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “That’s why the House is proud to stand alongside Governor Kemp to take action and deliver direct relief to hardworking families and job creators when and where they need it most.”