Georgia suspends gas, diesel taxes beginning Tuesday
The order suspends taxes of 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents on diesel through October 29. It also prohibits price gouging.
ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) – Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday that Georgia will temporarily suspend its motor fuel excise taxes, which currently add 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel.
According to a news release from the governor’s office, the suspension begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 29. The executive order sets its expiration at 11:59 p.m. October 29 unless Kemp renews the state of emergency.
The governor’s office said the start time gives retailers time to account for the adjustment.
Kemp declared a statewide emergency over petroleum supply disruptions and volatile prices. His office cited statewide average prices of $4.19 per gallon for regular gasoline and $6.24 per gallon for diesel in Monday’s announcement.
“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 executive order also prohibits price gouging on motor fuel and other goods and services needed to respond to the emergency.
It allows qualifying commercial vehicles traveling for purposes related to the emergency to operate above normal weight and size limits on state-maintained roads, excluding interstates. Those vehicles must obtain permits through the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and posted bridge weight limits remain in effect.
The governor’s office said the transportation changes are intended to help reduce costs associated with everyday goods, including groceries.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper also expressed support for the suspension in the release, citing pressure on families, businesses and farmers.
