
Georgia motorists will continue getting a break at the gas pump after Governor Brian Kemp extended the state’s suspension of motor fuel taxes through November 5.

Georgia motorists will continue getting a break at the gas pump after Governor Brian Kemp extended the state’s suspension of motor fuel taxes through November 5.

State Sen. Lanny Thomas says Georgia motorists are getting some relief at the gas pump following the suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax.
Thomas, who represents Senate District 53, said Tuesday that suspending the tax will save motorists 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel. Those figures match Georgia’s current motor-fuel excise tax rates.
“Today, Georgians are waking up to some much-needed relief at the pump,” Thomas said in a statement posted Tuesday morning.
Thomas credited Gov. Brian Kemp and Republican leaders in the General Assembly with taking action to provide relief as Georgians continue dealing with higher fuel and other household costs.
Thomas said the savings could particularly benefit people commuting to work, parents taking children to school, small-business owners and farmers who regularly purchase gasoline or diesel.
The Trion Republican said he supports efforts aimed at allowing Georgians to keep more of their income and described the motor-fuel tax suspension as one way state leaders are addressing affordability.
Thomas currently represents Georgia Senate District 53.
The latest suspension took effect at midnight and is scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days, according to Thomas’ statement.

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 cost of living is becoming an increasingly important issue for Chattooga County households as residents face higher prices for several basic necessities — particularly gasoline, diesel fuel and groceries.

The price posted on a diesel pump may look like a problem primarily for truck drivers, but with diesel now above $6 per gallon in Georgia, the effects could eventually be felt by almost every business — and household — in Chattooga County.

Rising diesel prices are creating new concerns for businesses and industry across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, especially for trucking, construction, farming, and manufacturing operations that depend on fuel to keep equipment moving and goods delivered. Higher fuel costs are making it more expensive for companies to transport materials, run heavy equipment, and manage day-to-day operations.
Several factors are helping drive diesel prices higher, including increases in crude oil prices, tighter global fuel supplies, refinery maintenance and outages, and growing seasonal demand tied to freight, agriculture, and construction activity. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions can also add pressure to fuel markets, causing prices to rise even faster.
For local businesses, those higher diesel costs can quickly lead to more expensive deliveries, increased equipment expenses, and tighter budgets for companies already dealing with inflation and other rising costs. When diesel prices go up, the effects are often felt well beyond the fuel pump, eventually impacting shipping, construction, materials, food prices, and other goods across the region.
As of yesterday, diesel prices across Northwest Georgia were averaging between $4.68 – $4.92 per gallon.