Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order on Monday local time to suspend the state's fuel tax for 30 days in response to soaring oil prices triggered by the conflict with Iran.
The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, pausing Georgia's motor fuel excise tax, specifically at 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel.
The move could cost the state roughly $200 million in tax revenue per month, but Kemp can cover the shortfall by drawing on the state government's budget surplus.
The executive order issued by Kemp also suspends weight limits for commercial vehicles, aiming to reduce cargo transportation costs.
Kemp had previously suspended the state's fuel tax in March, and that measure remained in place through Memorial Day (May 25).
Georgia's current average gasoline price stands at $4.19 per gallon, nearly 30 cents below the national average. According to AAA data, the state's average gasoline price last year was $2.88.
Georgia's average diesel price is $6.35 per gallon, about 20 cents below the national average.
Over the seven months since the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran broke out, gasoline and diesel prices have climbed steadily.
The Iranian government closed the Strait of Hormuz — through which about 20% of the world's oil is exported — driving oil prices higher.
These price increases have directly affected Americans, who were already worried about the cost of living after years of inflation.
In a poll conducted last week by Emerson College, 60% of respondents said Trump's economic policies are making economic conditions worse.
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