Georgia Gas Tax Suspension Ends Driving Prices Higher

Governor Brian Kemp allowed a temporary suspension of Georgia's state gas tax to expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 2, 2026. The suspension, which began in March to provide relief amid global oil market volatility caused by conflict in Iran, had been extended to cover the Memorial Day travel period. Kemp cited stabilizing crude oil prices and the need to maintain financial readiness for state transportation infrastructure, including roads and bridges, as the reasons for ending the relief.

The reinstatement of the tax adds approximately 33.3 cents per gallon to gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon to diesel. In Atlanta, some stations raised prices from $3.80 to over $4.19 per gallon immediately following the expiration. AAA reported that while the state average sat around $3.79 per gallon, the rollback of the tax effectively offset recent dips in global crude prices.

Although some stations implemented the increase instantly, others may take several days to reflect the change based on when they purchase fuel from suppliers. Despite the price jump, Georgia's fuel costs remain below the national average of $4.26 per gallon. The measure marks the fourth time Kemp has suspended the gas tax since 2022, following similar actions during the war in Ukraine, a period of high inflation, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.