Gov. Kemp Suspends State Gas Tax Again Ahead Of Fourth Of July Weekend

GEORGIA — Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order Friday that will extend the suspension of Georgia state gas taxes.

The previous order was set to expire July 14. Friday’s executive order will suspend the gas tax through August 13. As of Friday, the average price per gallon in Georgia is $4.35, which is below the national average of $4.84, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

“In March, I took decisive action to help Georgians impacted by high gas prices,” Kemp said in a statement. “To provide further relief, I'm again extending the supply chain state of emergency & suspending both our state motor fuel tax & locomotive fuel tax to help fight rising costs.

“I'm committed to easing the burden Georgians are facing due to disastrous policies from Washington politicians. Unfortunately, Pres. Biden & Democratic leaders have not done their part to tackle the issue, instead calling on Americans facing record-high inflation to go without.”

Related: Biden's Federal Gas Tax Holiday: Would It Help Or Hurt Georgia?

It now costs $66 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline, according to AAA. Drivers are paying $22.35 more at the pump than last year.

According to GasBuddy, the average price of a gallon of regular gas Friday across metro Atlanta was:

• Atlanta: $4.41
• Fulton County: $4.50
• Dekalb County: $4.45
• Gwinnett County: $4.38
• Forsyth County: $4.35
• Barrow County: $4.35
• Cherokee County: $4.41
• Cobb County: $4.48
• Paulding County: $4.40
• Douglas County: $4.48

Despite the gas prices, AAA predicts that about 1.5 million Georgians are expected to travel Independence Day weekend.

“The volume of travelers expected over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group in a statement. “Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much needed vacation.”