Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Suspends State Gas Tax For 30 Days

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday declared a state of emergency and ordered a 30-day suspension of the state's motor fuel excise tax as drivers face high prices at the pump.

Kemp's office said the suspension takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29,and will remain in effect through Oct. 29.

Officials also explained the delay gives fuel retailers time to account for the tax change in their pricing.

Georgia currently collects a motor fuel excise tax of 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel. The governor's office said the statewide average price Monday was $4.19 per gallon for regular gasoline and $6.24 per gallon for diesel.

Kemp cited global market volatility in declaring the state of emergency and said the temporary suspension is intended to provide relief to residents and businesses dealing with higher fuel costs.

"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," Kemp said when announcing the order.

The executive order also temporarily suspends certain state weight limits for commercial vehicles traveling in Georgia.

Kemp said the change is intended to reduce transportation costs that can contribute to prices for everyday goods, including groceries.

The order also invokes Georgia's price-gouging law for goods and services considered necessary to respond to the state of emergency, including gasoline and diesel fuel, according to the executive order provided by the governor's office.

State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the suspension comes as Georgia farmers contend with particularly high diesel costs during the fall agricultural season.

"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.

The latest suspension is scheduled to expire Oct. 29 unless it is terminated or otherwise changed before then.