ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia drivers will soon see relief at the pump after Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Monday, suspending the state’s motor fuel excise tax for the next 30 days.
The suspension officially takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 29 and runs through Oct. 29. State officials noted the short lead time allows fuel retailers the window needed to adjust their wholesale and retail pricing.
Under the executive order, drivers will temporarily save 33.3 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
The move comes as fuel costs put increasing strain on household budgets statewide, where the average price for regular gasoline has reached $4.19 per gallon and diesel sits at $6.24 per gallon.
In addition to halting the fuel tax, Kemp’s order suspends state weight limits on commercial freight vehicles, an effort aimed at lowering supply chain overhead and stabilizing the cost of consumer staples like groceries.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
State legislative leaders voiced strong support for the executive action.
“Families, businesses and farmers across our state are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing costs at the pump,” House Speaker Jon Burns said. “That’s why the House is proud to stand alongside Governor Kemp to take action and deliver direct relief to hardworking families and job creators when and where they need it most.”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones echoed those sentiments, calling the move a continuation of efforts by state leaders “to put Georgians first and bring relief at the gas pump.”
The temporary suspension is also expected to aid Georgia’s agricultural sector, which relies heavily on diesel fuel during fall harvest operations.
State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper noted the timing is vital for growers who have watched diesel costs surge in recent weeks.
“This announcement means immediate relief for Georgia families struggling to afford gas and groceries and Georgia farmers facing diesel prices that have more than doubled in recent weeks,” Harper said.
Kemp and state lawmakers have previously suspended the motor fuel tax during past spikes in energy costs, utilizing state surplus reserves to backfill state highway and transportation funding.
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