Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has suspended the state’s motor fuel tax for 30 days as motorists face sharply higher prices at the pump.
The emergency measure took effect at 12.01am on Tuesday, September 29, and is due to remain in place until October 29. It removes a tax of 33.3 cents a gallon on petrol and 37.3 cents on diesel, although drivers may have to wait for new fuel deliveries before the saving becomes visible at every station. ([patch.com](https://patch.com/georgia/across-ga/amp/34905420/georgia-gov-brian-kemp-suspends-state-gas-tax-for-30-days?utm_source=openai))
Kemp declared a state of emergency on Monday, September 28, citing instability in global fuel markets. The governor said the decision was intended to ease pressure on households, farmers and businesses dealing with rising transport costs.
Georgia gas tax suspension
The executive order also temporarily lifts certain weight restrictions for commercial vehicles travelling through Georgia. Officials expect the move to reduce delivery costs for goods, including food sold in supermarkets across the state.
The order invokes Georgia’s price-gouging law for essential goods and services connected to the emergency, including petrol and diesel. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the suspension would help farmers facing particularly high diesel costs during the autumn growing season. ([patch.com](https://patch.com/georgia/across-ga/amp/34905420/georgia-gov-brian-kemp-suspends-state-gas-tax-for-30-days?utm_source=openai))
“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. “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.”
The governor’s decision was backed by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns and Mr Harper, who said increased fuel prices were placing additional strain on family finances and agricultural businesses.
AAA data showed Georgia’s average price for regular petrol at about $4.19 a gallon, compared with a national average of roughly $4.48. Diesel was averaging $6.24 a gallon in the state, according to figures cited in the announcement. ([fox5atlanta.com](https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/gov-kemp-pauses-georgia-gas-tax-prices-stay-high))
However, the tax suspension will not necessarily lead to an immediate 33.3-cent reduction on forecourts. Because the tax is collected from fuel distributors, retailers generally reflect the change as they receive fresh supplies, while movements in wholesale costs may reduce or offset the saving.
State officials have not said whether the relief will be extended beyond October 29.
