Georgia Cuts Fuel Taxes 60 Days as Diesel Prices Surge 49%

Why It Matters Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation March 20 suspending motor fuel taxes for 60 days to provide relief from skyrocketing pump prices. Diesel costs have jumped 49% while gas prices are up 40%, putting significant pressure on professional drivers across the state. Key Details The tax suspension removes 37-cent excise taxes on diesel and 33-cent taxes on gasoline at the pump. Compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum fuel also qualify for the temporary relief. Over the next two months, Georgia expects to deliver $400 million in savings to consumers. What This Means for Drivers As retailers receive new fuel shipments, prices will reflect the tax cut immediately. Georgia's fuel costs remain lower than the national average - diesel at $5.25 per gallon and gas at $3.79 as of mid-March. House Speaker Jon Burns noted trucking industry drivers face nearly $2-per-gallon increases in diesel fuel costs. What's Next Georgia became the first state to implement fuel tax relief during the current crisis. Maryland and California lawmakers are exploring similar measures to help residents cope with rising global oil prices.