Gov. Brian Kemp extends Georgia gas tax suspension through June 3

The governor signed an executive order extending Georgia’s gas tax suspension for two more weeks ahead of Memorial Day travel.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an executive order extending Georgia’s gas tax suspension for two additional weeks.

According to the governor’s office, the suspension will begin at 12:01 a.m. on May 20 and continue through June 3.

The governor’s office said the order declares a state of emergency and suspends the state’s motor fuel tax during that time.

Officials said the move is separate from the current gas tax suspension authorized under House Bill 1199, which expires at 11:59 p.m. on May 19.

Kemp said the extension is intended to provide relief ahead of the Memorial Day travel weekend.

“As Georgia families prepare for the Memorial Day travel weekend, they should not feel blindsided by prices at the gas pump,” Kemp said in the release.

According to the governor’s office, AAA estimates 39.1 million Americans plan to travel by car during Memorial Day weekend.

The release states the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is currently $4.02 under the existing suspension, which officials said is 50 cents lower than the national average.

According to the release, Georgia’s current motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel.