Georgia motorists will continue receiving relief from state gasoline and diesel taxes through the Thanksgiving holiday after Governor Brian Kemp announced Saturday that he is extending the state’s motor fuel tax suspension through November 30.

The announcement, made October 24, extends the state of emergency declared in response to volatility in global petroleum markets and continued high fuel prices. The suspension had previously been scheduled to expire November 5.

Kemp said he made the decision in consultation with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. The extension will keep the state’s motor fuel excise tax suspended during one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the year.

Gas Tax Relief Continues Through Thanksgiving

Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax is currently 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel. Those taxes will remain suspended through November 30 under the governor’s latest action.

For motorists, the suspension means that the state tax will not be included in the cost of fuel during the extension period. On a 15-gallon gasoline purchase, the suspended tax represents approximately $5 in potential savings. A 20-gallon purchase represents $6.66 in state gasoline taxes that are not being collected.

Actual pump prices can still fluctuate because of changes in crude oil prices, refinery costs, transportation expenses and other market conditions. The suspension does not eliminate local fuel taxes.

The extension is particularly significant for Georgia families preparing to travel over Thanksgiving, as well as commuters and businesses that rely on gasoline and diesel throughout the year.

Kemp Says High Fuel Prices Remain A Concern

In Saturday’s announcement, Kemp pointed to the approaching holiday and continued high fuel prices as reasons for extending the emergency declaration.

“With a major holiday coming up and fuel prices still at high levels, I am proud to take this step to keep more money in Georgians’ pockets,” Kemp said.

The governor also credited the state’s budgeting practices with allowing Georgia to provide temporary tax relief during periods of economic uncertainty.

Kemp said previous efforts to return money to taxpayers through income tax refunds and property tax relief were part of the same approach. He also thanked legislative leaders for supporting the state’s response to higher fuel costs.

Georgia Gasoline Prices Remain Below National Average

According to AAA figures cited in the governor’s announcement, the average price for regular gasoline in Georgia is approximately $3.66 per gallon, while diesel averages $5.72 per gallon.

Those prices remain elevated, but Georgia’s statewide averages are considerably below national figures.

The governor’s office reported that Georgia’s average gasoline price is approximately 63 cents per gallon below the national average. Diesel prices in Georgia are approximately 61 cents per gallon below the national average.

Georgia initially suspended its motor fuel tax in late September as rising petroleum prices placed additional pressure on household and business budgets.

The suspension took effect September 29 and was subsequently extended through November 5 before Saturday’s announcement pushed the expiration date to the end of November.

For residents of Chattooga County and northwest Georgia, gasoline prices are a significant consideration for workers who commute to jobs in neighboring counties and families who depend on personal vehicles for everyday transportation.

Diesel prices also affect agricultural operations, trucking companies, construction businesses and the cost of transporting goods to local stores.

Emergency Measures Also Provide Relief For Truckers And Farmers

The governor’s latest announcement continues a broader state of emergency that includes additional measures intended to address transportation costs and petroleum supply disruptions.

Under previous executive orders, Kemp suspended certain state weight limits on commercial vehicles, allowing additional flexibility in transporting goods.

The state also temporarily suspended penalties associated with selling, delivering or using off-road dyed diesel fuel in vehicles traveling on public highways.

Dyed diesel is normally intended for off-road uses, including farm machinery, construction equipment and other qualifying operations. Its use in highway vehicles is ordinarily restricted because it is taxed differently from regular highway diesel.

The temporary state penalty waiver was intended to assist farmers, truckers and other businesses dealing with fuel costs and supply pressures.

These measures are tied to the emergency declaration and do not represent permanent changes to Georgia’s motor fuel laws.

Suspension Now Scheduled To End November 30

Saturday’s announcement means the state fuel tax suspension will remain in place throughout the Thanksgiving holiday and the following weekend.

Unless Kemp issues another extension, the temporary relief is scheduled to end November 30, when Georgia would resume collecting its regular motor fuel excise taxes.

The expiration could affect retail fuel prices, although the actual cost of gasoline and diesel will continue to depend on market conditions.

For now, Georgia motorists will continue receiving the benefit of the suspended state fuel taxes through the end of November.

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