ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Monday and suspended Georgia’s fuel excise taxes for 30 days starting September 29, citing record diesel prices that have more than doubled in recent weeks and now average $6.24 per gallon in the state.
The suspension covers Georgia’s 33.3 cent per gallon gasoline excise tax and 37.3 cent per gallon diesel excise tax. The relief runs through October 29.
Kemp also loosened commercial vehicle weight limits on state-maintained roads — excluding interstates — to help reduce transportation costs that flow through to consumer goods prices. Under the emergency order, five-axle trucks can operate at a maximum gross weight of 95,000 pounds with an outer bridge span of not less than 51 feet, a maximum width of 10 feet, and an overall length of 100 feet when issued an emergency permit. The relaxed limits apply to vehicles traveling through Georgia for purposes related to the state of emergency.
“Over the past several years, with the help of our partners in the General Assembly, we’ve been able to give billions of dollars in relief to hardworking Georgians,” Kemp said. “We’ve remained committed to helping them and our small businesses fight through the tough times, and that’s why I’m taking this action today.”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the action comes as farmers face diesel prices that have more than doubled in recent weeks. “This announcement means immediate relief for Georgia families struggling to afford gas and groceries and Georgia farmers facing diesel prices that have more than doubled in recent weeks.”
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
