ATLANTA — For the third time this year, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered a suspension of the state’s fuel tax, citing continued increases in prices at the pump. The 30-day suspension order, signed by Governor Kemp on Monday, took effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, and will run through October 29.
The executive order, issued under Kemp’s authority to declare a state of emergency, highlights that “Global markets remain unstable and are subjecting Georgians to unpredictable price shocks on basic goods and services.” For residents across Valdosta, Lowndes County, and surrounding South Georgia, this action aims to provide some relief from the financial strain caused by these market shifts, which the order states have made it “difficult, if not impossible,” for Georgians to manage their budgets.
According to Kemp’s office, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia currently stands at $4.19, while diesel averages $6.24 a gallon. State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper noted in a statement that diesel prices, in particular, have more than doubled in recent weeks, significantly impacting local farmers and agricultural operations that rely heavily on the fuel.
The state motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel. The suspension temporarily removes these state charges, offering direct savings to motorists, truckers, and businesses.
This latest suspension follows two previous actions taken this year to address fuel costs. In March, Governor Kemp signed a bill into law that suspended the gas tax for 60 days. That measure received strong bipartisan support, passing the state House by a vote of 163-4 and the state Senate unanimously. Subsequently, in May, Kemp issued a state of emergency to extend the suspension for an additional couple of weeks, lasting into early June. The General Assembly later retroactively approved this extension during a special session held in June.
Governor Kemp, in a statement explaining his decision for the new suspension, emphasized his and lawmakers’ ongoing commitment to assisting Georgians and small businesses in “fight through the tough times” with various forms of financial relief. Prior motor fuel tax suspensions have carried a significant cost to the state, estimated at about $200 million per month.
A spokesman for Kemp’s office indicated that state lawmakers are expected to approve the new suspension during their next convening. Historically, similar fall suspensions have been ratified by the General Assembly during its regular legislative session, which typically commences each January.
