Georgia drivers are getting some welcome relief at the pump just as one of the busiest travel periods of the year approaches.
Georgia gas prices have continued to decline in recent weeks, giving drivers some relief at the pump even as overall costs remain a concern.
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.
Georgia gas prices are beginning to level off after recent declines slowed over the past week. According to AAA, the state average is now just one cent lower than last week, but still 25 cents higher than last month and 97 cents higher than this time last year.
Georgia drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall across the state.
According to AAA, Georgia’s average price for regular gasoline is now $3.85 per gallon. That is 14 cents lower than last week, but still 10 cents higher than last month and 96 cents higher than this time last year.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said lower crude oil prices, tied in part to reported Iran peace talks, are helping bring prices down. However, she cautioned that global uncertainty could cause prices to shift quickly.
For drivers filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the current state average means a cost of about $57.75.
Nationally, the average price for gasoline has dropped to $4.33 per gallon, down 18 cents from a week ago.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Macon at $3.94, Atlanta at $3.90, and Athens at $3.87. The least expensive metro markets are Dalton at $3.71, Albany at $3.63, and Brunswick at $3.60.
Locally, Chattooga County is averaging $3.78 per gallon. Nearby averages include Walker, Floyd, and Gordon counties at $3.72. Across the state line in Alabama, DeKalb County is averaging $3.93, while Cherokee County is at $3.88.
Drivers are encouraged to compare prices, plan trips, combine errands, and use fuel-saving habits as summer travel increases.
AAA is warning Georgia drivers not to let higher gas prices lead to risky decisions behind the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.
As Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach, Georgia drivers are getting some relief from the state’s extended gas tax suspension.
Gas prices across Georgia remain elevated, continuing to strain household budgets as drivers face rising costs in multiple areas of daily life.
Georgia drivers are continuing to feel the impact of higher fuel prices, as the statewide average for regular gasoline holds at $3.85 per gallon.
Drivers across Georgia are seeing little change at the pump this week, with the statewide average for regular gasoline holding at $3.62 per gallon.