Georgians have relished months of relief at the gas pump due to Governor Brian Kemp’s suspension of the gas tax, but a shift is imminent.
The initial suspension, declared by Kemp in September, cited soaring prices and economic uncertainty as reasons for a state of emergency in Georgia. This suspension has been extended twice since then. According to the law, the governor can halt tax collection during an emergency, provided that state lawmakers endorse it in their next meeting. Originally scheduled for January 8, the upcoming session has been moved to tomorrow, November 29th. Kemp called for this special session to redraw Georgia’s congressional and state legislative districts following a federal judge’s ruling that some districts unfairly diluted the voting power of Black individuals.
It remains uncertain whether Kemp will seek an extension of the tax break through legislation during the special session. Alternatively, he might declare another state of emergency after lawmakers adjourn and resume tax waivers until January.
As of Monday, AAA reports that Georgia’s average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $2.79, marking a 3-cent decrease from the previous week and a 25-cent reduction compared to the same period in 2022.
Filling up a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline now costs Georgia drivers an average of $41.85.
Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group, noted, “Georgia’s pump prices have been falling steadily each week for the past 2 months. Despite high Thanksgiving road travel, gas prices remained under $3.00 for Georgians. Governor Kemp’s suspension of the gas tax until November 29th, and lower crude oil prices continue to be the driving forces reducing prices at the pump.”
The typical gasoline price in Georgia includes a federal tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and a state tax of 29.1 cents per gallon. Additionally, various counties and the city of Atlanta impose additional taxes. For diesel fuel, federal taxes are 24.4 cents per gallon, while Georgia’s diesel tax is 32.6 cents per gallon.