Kemp suspends Georgia gas tax. When will pump prices drop?
Gas tax suspended in Georgia temporarily
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, suspending Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days starting Tuesday. The suspension saves drivers 33.3 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Monday and suspended Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days to help residents facing high gas prices.
Georgia gas tax suspension
What we know:
Georgia drivers will get a temporary reprieve at the pump starting just after midnight on Tuesday.
Kemp signed an executive order pausing the state’s motor fuel excise tax through Oct. 29 to offset global market instability.
The move saves consumers 33.3 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
The order also temporarily lifts weight restrictions on commercial transport vehicles.
Officials expect that decision to bring down delivery costs for everyday items sold in grocery stores across the state.
Gas tax impact timeline
What we don't know:
In Georgia, drivers may start seeing lower prices within a few days, but it can take days or even weeks for the change to reach every station. The state collects the gas tax from fuel distributors, so stations generally see the savings as they receive new shipments. Georgia’s attorney general gave that "days and weeks" timeframe during an earlier suspension.
Even though the suspension went into effect almost immediately, that does not mean every pump price will fall as quickly—or by the full amount of the tax. Other fuel costs can rise or fall at the same time, making the tax savings harder to see in the posted price. In other words, don't expect to see the price fall the full 33 cents or to notice it immediately.
Officials have not stated whether state leaders will consider extending the tax relief past the 30-day window.
State leaders react
What they're saying:
State leaders praised the executive order as essential relief for residents and businesses.
"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."
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper also backed the move, noting that family budgets and farmers have faced mounting pressure from rising fuel costs.
Georgia gas prices breakdown
By the numbers:
Georgia fuel costs sit below the national average but have climbed in recent weeks:
- Regular gas average: $4.19 per gallon in Georgia vs. $4.48 nationally
- Diesel average: $6.24 per gallon in Georgia vs. $4.48 national gas average
- Previous month average: Georgia regular gas averaged $3.79 per gallon one month ago
- Previous year average: Georgia regular gas averaged $2.88 per gallon one year ago
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from a press release issued by the office of Gov. Brian Kemp, as well as fuel pricing data provided by AAA. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used.