Georgia drivers will continue to receive relief at the gas pump through the Thanksgiving holiday after Governor Brian Kemp announced an extension of the state’s motor fuel tax suspension through November 30.
The governor’s office announced the extension Saturday, citing continued volatility in global energy markets and the need to provide financial relief to Georgia families as the busy holiday travel season approaches.
Kemp and Georgia’s Speaker of the House said the extension is intended to help keep fuel costs down as millions of Americans prepare to travel for Thanksgiving.
“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.
The governor credited Georgia’s conservative budgeting practices for allowing the state to provide financial relief during periods of economic uncertainty.
“Our commitment to fiscal responsibility and stewarding taxpayer dollars has allowed us to act when needed, whether by suspending the gas tax or returning billions to taxpayers through income tax refunds and property tax relief,” Kemp said.
Kemp initially declared a state of emergency on September 28 in response to elevated fuel prices, suspending the state’s motor fuel tax through October 29. The latest action extends that relief for more than another month.
Since the original suspension took effect, Georgia’s average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has remained below the national average reported by AAA.
The suspension temporarily eliminates the state motor fuel taxes collected on gasoline and diesel, reducing costs for fuel distributors and potentially providing savings to motorists at the pump.
The extension comes as families across Northwest Georgia and the rest of the state prepare for Thanksgiving travel, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
While gas prices remain subject to changes in crude oil costs, supply conditions and global market developments, state officials hope the extended suspension will help ease the financial burden on Georgia drivers.
The suspension is now scheduled to remain in effect through November 30.