Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state’s gas tax for 30 days, effective Sept. 29, as fuel prices hit $4.19 per gallon for regular gas and $6.24 for diesel, aiming to ease costs for drivers and businesses.
Kemp’s executive order halts the 33.3-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax on regular gasoline and the 37.3-cent levy on diesel, effective through Oct. 29. The governor also suspended weight limits on commercial vehicles to reduce transportation costs, a step praised by agriculture officials as critical for fall harvest operations.
Suspension Details and Tax Relief
Gov. Kemp suspends Georgia gas tax, declares state of
The tax suspension will save Georgia drivers 33.3 cents per gallon on regular gasoline and 37.3 cents on diesel, with the relief lasting 30 days. The current average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.19, while diesel averages $6.24, according to state officials. Kemp’s order also lifts weight restrictions on commercial freight vehicles, a measure intended to lower supply chain costs and stabilize grocery prices. State officials emphasized the short lead time for the tax suspension, allowing fuel retailers to adjust pricing structures before the effective date of 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 29.
Political Support and Official Statements
Kemp’s action received backing, with House Speaker Jon Burns calling it a “direct relief” for families and businesses. Families, businesses and farmers across our state are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing costs at the pump,
Burns said, adding that the House stood alongside Governor Kemp to deliver relief when and where they need it most. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones echoed the sentiment, stating the move reflected efforts to put Georgians first. State Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper highlighted the urgency for farmers, noting diesel prices had more than doubled in recent weeks, threatening harvest operations.
Gov. Kemp suspends state’s gas tax amid surging fuel
The governor’s order was filed on Monday, with the suspension taking effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 29, as part of a state of emergency declared by Kemp to address fuel cost pressures. 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.
Economic Context and Historical Precedence
Kemp suspended the gas tax in 2022 during a spike in prices tied to the war in Ukraine, again in 2023 amid high inflation, and briefly in 2024 following Hurricane Helene. The state has used surplus funds to cover the lost tax revenue. AAA reported that the average price for a gallon of gas in Georgia is around $4.19, about 28 cents less than the national average. That price is 10 cents more than a week ago, and much higher than the same time in 2025, when gas was around $2.87 a gallon.
Gov. Kemp declares state of emergency, suspends state’s gas
Georgia’s gas taxes are earmarked for roads and bridges, and the state will dip into its accumulated surplus to make up the loss. The last time the governor suspended the gas tax was in March. That gas tax suspension continued through Memorial Day. The current motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel, according to officials.
Unresolved Questions and Future Outlook
The long-term impact of the tax suspension remains unclear. The next major development will likely depend on national fuel price trends and the governor’s ability to balance short-term relief with fiscal responsibility.