Full Breakdown
Georgia’s Gas Tax Suspension Ends as Governor Kemp Declines Extension
6/2/2026, 9:27:25 PM
Background & Timeline
Georgia’s motor-fuel excise tax—33 cents per gallon of gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon of diesel—funds roads and bridges. The tax was suspended in March 2024 amid Iran-related price spikes. House Bill 1199 created a 60-day pause, later extended. Most reports list the end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2; some cite Wednesday, June 3.
Data & Impact
The suspension removed $0.33 per gallon of gasoline and $0.37 per gallon of diesel. AAA reported Georgia’s average gasoline price at $3.808 per gallon versus the U.S. $4.290. About 5,800 convenience stores sell fuel, representing 65 % of their sales. Restoring the tax adds roughly 33 cents to pump prices, raising commuter costs and replenishing road-funding.
Official Statements & Responses
A Kemp office spokesperson said the suspension ends as oil prices hold steady and the state must monitor. Governor Kemp said the extension helped Memorial Day travelers but cannot continue indefinitely; a session will address relief. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division warned price-control actions are federal matters. AAA cautioned pump prices will rise within a day or two.
Public Reaction
Candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms warned Georgians cannot afford a fuel hike and urged an extension. Owner Tika Carter said her fill-up rose from $53 to $78, calling it heartbreaking. Commuter Rai McQueen said he will cut back on trips. Levi Rickman said, “If it makes you depressed every day, don’t even bother. Just get gas, don’t look and leave.” Atlanta price is below $4.00; fuel sales account for 65 % of convenience-store revenue.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most outlets list the suspension’s end at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2; a few cite Wednesday, June 3. Reported tax amounts vary between 33 cents and 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37 cents versus 37.3 cents for diesel. No source quantifies the exact surplus drawdown or long-term road-funding impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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 11:59pm this evening, while the state also keeps a financial eye toward any unexpected needs in the future,” — Spokesperson, Governor Brian Kemp’s office
- “We wanted to push the gas tax out through Memorial Day because a lot of people were traveling, but we cannot do that forever,” — Governor Brian Kemp
- “Georgians can’t afford a hike in fuel costs this summer,” — Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate
- “Before the gas prices went up it took about $53.” — Tika Carter, Blendz Friendz On The Go food-truck owner
What's Next
A special legislative session in mid-June will consider additional tax relief, possible extensions, new rebates, or alternative funding mechanisms for transportation projects as fuel prices evolve.
