Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state motor-fuel tax took effect just after midnight Tuesday, Sept. 29, as drivers continue dealing with sharply higher gasoline and diesel prices.
The executive order suspends 33.3 cents per gallon on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel for 30 days, through Oct. 29. Atlanta News First reported the statewide average for regular gasoline was about $4.17 Tuesday, with diesel averaging about $6.23.
The full savings may not appear immediately
Suspending the tax does not guarantee every station will instantly lower its posted price by the full amount. Retail prices also reflect wholesale fuel costs, transportation, inventory purchased before the suspension and individual station pricing.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued the order as fuel prices rose amid the ongoing war involving Iran. The order also temporarily changes state weight limits for certain commercial vehicles in an effort to ease fuel distribution.
How long it lasts
The suspension is scheduled to run for 30 days unless it is changed or extended. The General Assembly is not currently in session, so the action was taken through an executive order.
Drivers should compare pump prices rather than assuming every station reflects the same reduction. The most important next date is Oct. 29, when the current suspension is scheduled to expire.
