Georgia Gas Tax Suspension Extended Through Thanksgiving

Georgia drivers will continue getting a break from the state's motor fuel tax through the Thanksgiving holiday after Gov. Brian Kemp extended the suspension through Nov. 30.

Kemp announced the extension Saturday, citing continued volatility in global fuel markets and elevated gasoline and diesel prices. The decision was made in consultation with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns.

The suspension means the state will continue to temporarily stop collecting 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuel.

The current suspension was first ordered Sept. 28 and took effect the following day as part of a state of emergency related to petroleum supply disruptions. It was subsequently extended through Nov. 5 before Saturday's order pushed the expiration date to the end of November.

The latest extension will keep the tax break in place during one of the year's busiest holiday travel periods.

“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 in announcing the extension.

According to figures cited by the governor's office, regular gasoline in Georgia was averaging about $3.66 per gallon when the extension was announced, approximately 63 cents below the national average. Diesel was averaging about $5.72 per gallon.

The state of emergency also includes other temporary measures affecting the transportation industry. State weight limits for commercial vehicles have been suspended, and penalties have been waived for certain uses of off-road “dyed” diesel fuel on public roads.

Unless the order is extended again or ended earlier, Georgia's motor fuel tax suspension will expire at the end of Nov. 30.