Georgia drivers will get a break at the pump beginning Tuesday after Governor Brian Kemp announced Monday that he is suspending the state’s motor fuel excise tax for 30 days.

The suspension takes effect at 12:01 AM Tuesday, September 29, and will remain in place through October 29. Kemp said the action is being taken because of global market volatility and rising fuel prices.

Georgia’s current motor fuel excise tax is 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel. The suspension does not guarantee retail prices will immediately fall by the full amount, since pump prices also depend on crude-oil costs, wholesale prices, transportation expenses and individual retailers. The administration says the delayed effective time gives retailers an opportunity to factor the change into pricing.

The announcement comes as AAA reports the average price of regular gasoline in Georgia at $4.19 per gallon, while diesel is averaging $6.24 per gallon.

Here in Northwest Georgia, Monday’s AAA averages showed Chattooga and Floyd counties at $4.15 per gallon, Walker County at $4.13 and Gordon County at $4.18. Across the state line in Alabama, DeKalb County was averaging $4.07 and Cherokee County $4.01.

Kemp also declared a state of emergency, which allows the state to suspend certain weight limits on commercial vehicles during the emergency period. The governor’s office says the move is intended to reduce transportation costs associated with goods moving through the state.

Kemp said his administration has used previous tax-relief measures to help Georgia residents during periods of high inflation and fuel costs and described Monday’s action as another attempt to reduce those expenses.

Lt. Governor Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns also issued statements supporting the suspension. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said higher diesel prices have been particularly difficult for farmers, who depend heavily on diesel fuel for tractors, trucks and other equipment.

Georgia has used temporary fuel-tax suspensions before. Previous executive orders have suspended collection of the motor-fuel excise tax during declared emergencies, including periods of supply-chain disruption and following Hurricane Helene. Office of Governor Kemp

The latest suspension begins Tuesday morning and runs through October 29.