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.
Gas prices have moved lower across much of Northwest Georgia, with Chattooga County averaging $3.86 per gallon as of Monday — the same as Georgia’s statewide average.
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 motorists saved an estimated $188 million during a temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax that ended June 2, according to newly released state revenue figures.
The tax relief measure, approved earlier this year by Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers, temporarily reduced the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel for consumers across Georgia. The suspension was intended to help offset higher fuel costs and provide financial relief to families and businesses.
State officials reported that fuel tax collections dropped significantly during the period the tax break was in effect, contributing to lower overall revenue from motor fuel taxes. Despite the decline in fuel tax collections, Georgia’s broader revenue picture remained stable due to strong collections from other tax sources.
The savings translated into lower prices at the pump for drivers statewide, with the average motorist paying several cents less per gallon during the suspension. State leaders have frequently used temporary fuel tax suspensions in recent years as a way to provide relief during periods of elevated fuel prices or economic uncertainty.
With the tax break now expired, Georgia’s full motor fuel tax rate has returned, meaning drivers are once again paying the standard state tax on gasoline and diesel purchases.
Supporters of the measure say it delivered meaningful savings to Georgia households, while critics note the temporary suspension also reduced transportation-related revenues that help fund road and infrastructure projects.
Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state motor fuel tax contributed to a significant decline in tax collections during May, according to state revenue figures.
State officials reported that net tax revenues for May declined by 12.6 percent compared to the same month a year ago. The decrease comes after Georgia suspended its motor fuel excise tax for part of May in an effort to provide relief to drivers facing higher fuel costs. The suspension remained in effect through June 2.
The gas tax holiday temporarily removed Georgia’s fuel excise tax, which currently amounts to about 33 cents per gallon on gasoline. State leaders said the suspension was intended to help offset rising fuel prices and reduce costs for consumers at the pump.
While the suspension provided relief for motorists, it also reduced one of the state’s major sources of transportation-related revenue. The tax is normally collected at the wholesale level and helps fund transportation and infrastructure projects throughout Georgia.
The gas tax suspension officially expired on June 3, and state officials have indicated it will not be extended. As a result, motorists across Georgia may continue to see fuel prices fluctuate throughout the summer as the tax returns and market conditions evolve.