Kemp extends gas tax suspension for another two weeks

Tax relief will continue during Memorial Day travel and through to June 3

ATLANTA — Georgia drivers will continue to receive relief at the gas pump after Governor Brian P. Kemp signed an executive order last week extending the state’s suspension of the motor fuel tax for an additional two weeks.

The suspension will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on May 20 and remain in place through June 3, immediately following the expiration of the current suspension authorized under HB 1199 at 11:59 p.m. on May 19.

According to the governor’s office, the move is intended to help Georgians manage fuel costs ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend.

“As Georgia families prepare for the Memorial Day travel weekend, they should not feel blindsided by prices at the gas pump,” Kemp said. “Along with our partners in the legislature, we’ve remained committed to giving hardworking Georgians relief wherever able, and this action is another fulfillment of that promise.”

AAA estimates that 39.1 million Americans are expected to travel by car during the Memorial Day holiday period, surpassing last year’s record.

Under the current tax suspension, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is about $4.02, roughly 50 cents below the national average. Georgia is one of only two states currently suspending its motor fuel tax.

Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax normally adds 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.