Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Monday, suspending Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days starting just after midnight on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The executive order provides temporary relief at the pump to offset global market instability, saving drivers 33.3 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.
Gas Price Averages and Fuel Cost Breakdown in Georgia
Fuel costs across Georgia sit below the national average but have climbed sharply in recent weeks, according to data from AAA cited in a press release from Gov. Brian Kemp’s office. Regular gasoline averages $4.19 per gallon in Georgia, compared to $4.48 nationally. Diesel fuel averages $6.24 per gallon in the state, well above the national average of $4.48. One month prior, regular gas in Georgia averaged $3.79 per gallon, while the average sat at $2.88 per gallon one year ago.
Relief for Supply Chains and Small Businesses
Alongside the tax pause, Kemp’s executive order temporarily lifts weight restrictions on commercial transport vehicles. State officials expect this change to reduce delivery costs for everyday items sold in grocery stores across the state. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, House Speaker Jon Burns, and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper backed the measure, pointing to mounting financial pressure on family budgets and farmers.
“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.”
Duration and Future Outlook
The temporary tax suspension remains in effect through Oct. 29. State officials have not yet stated whether leaders will consider extending the fuel tax relief past the initial 30-day window.
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