State provides relief at the pump with 60-day suspension of gas, diesel taxes

ALBANY – Georgians will be getting a 33-cent discount on gasoline and a break of 37 cents per gallon on diesel fuel, but the relief is not coming from any positive developments in the war in the Middle East.

The temporary suspension of the fuel excise taxes comes courtesy of legislation signed on Friday by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. House Bill 1199 allows for suspension of fuel taxes for 60 days.

While it may take a few days for drivers to feel the effects, it is welcome news as gas prices have skyrocketed across the country. 

“Hopefully the war will be over by (the end of the 60-day suspension),” state Rep. Gerald Grene said.

The reduction in fuel taxes should be a welcome relief for residents of southwest Georgia, some of whom have long commutes, as well as for farmers, who are also reeling from the impact of the conflict that has cut the production and flow of oil and natural gas from the region. A substantial amount of certain types of fertilizer manufactured with the use of natural gas also comes through the mostly shut down Strait of Hormuz, and the steep price hikes have hit farmers hard.

“It helps our folks in Georgia,” Greene said. “It’s good for the economy. Fertilizer is hurting our farmers … diesel. We need help with the prices.

“I was proud to join my House colleagues and Gov. Kemp as he signed the legislation into law.”

It is estimated that the legislation will result in $400 million in savings over 60 days.

On Friday the average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Georgia was $3.791, according to AAA, up from $2.703 a month ago, about a week before attacks were launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. Average diesel prices in the state on Friday were $5.250 per gallon.