Georgians Will Pay More at the Pumps Beginning Wednesday

The Center Square—Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will not extend the motor fuel tax suspension that expires at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, the governor’s office said late Monday afternoon.

The General Assembly passed a 60-day temporary moratorium on motor fuel taxes, which Gov. Brian Kemp signed. It was effective from March 20 through May 19. The governor extended the suspension for an additional two weeks on May 15 through an executive order.

“After renewing the suspension of the state gas tax to help hardworking Georgians get through the Memorial Day weekend with further relief, and with oil prices now holding relatively steady, the gas tax suspension will expire at 11:59 p.m. tomorrow while the state also keeps a financial eye toward any unexpected needs in the future,” Kemp’s office said in a statement.

Georgia’s fuel tax adds about 33 cents to gasoline and 37 cents to diesel fuel, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue. The money funds statewide transportation projects.

The Peach State’s average fuel price dropped to $3.88 for a gallon of regular unleaded, down from $3.98 last week, according to AAA. The cost was $2.89 a year ago. 

On Monday, Georgia’s fuel cost was lower than that of any of its neighbors, edging South Carolina’s $3.89 average per gallon cost by a penny, according to AAA. Tennessee had the next lowest-priced fuel at $3.93 a gallon, followed by Alabama and North Carolina ($3.94). Florida motorists are paying an average of $4.03 a gallon.