Gas prices have been hitting Georgia drivers hard, but a new Georgia gas tax suspension could provide some temporary relief.
Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Georgia’s motor fuel tax for 30 days. The suspension began Sept. 29 and is scheduled to last through Oct. 29.
For University of West Georgia students who commute to campus, work off campus or regularly drive home, the change could mean spending a little less at the pump.
What Does the Gas Tax Suspension Mean?
Georgia normally collects a state tax of 33.3 cents per gallon of gasoline. The state also collects 37.3 cents per gallon of diesel.
With the tax temporarily suspended, drivers could see lower prices at gas stations across Georgia.
However, prices may not drop immediately at every station. Gas stations may still be selling fuel purchased before the suspension began. As new fuel arrives, drivers could begin seeing more of the savings reflected in prices.
Why Did Kemp Suspend the Gas Tax?
Kemp announced the suspension as Georgia and the rest of the country faced higher fuel prices.
Global market instability and disruptions to the petroleum supply have contributed to rising prices. At the time of the announcement, regular gasoline in Georgia was averaging around $4.19 per gallon.
Those prices can especially affect people who drive every day.
For college students, gas is another expense added to tuition, food, housing and other costs. UWG also has students who commute from communities outside of Carrollton.
Even a small drop in gas prices can make a difference for someone filling up several times each month.
How Much Could Drivers Save?
The Georgia gas tax suspension removes more than 33 cents in state taxes from each gallon of regular gasoline.
For example, someone buying 12 gallons of gas could save about $4 from the suspended tax. That may not sound like much from one trip to the gas station, but the savings can add up for frequent drivers.
Kemp’s executive order also temporarily changes weight restrictions for commercial vehicles. The goal is to reduce transportation costs while fuel prices remain high.
Lower transportation costs could also help businesses that rely on trucks to move products across the state.
This Is Not Georgia’s First Gas Tax Suspension
Georgia has used gas tax suspensions before when fuel prices increased.
Kemp previously suspended the tax earlier in 2026 before it returned during the summer.
The latest suspension gives Georgia drivers another temporary break as fuel prices remain unpredictable.
For UWG students who spend part of their week driving to class, work or home, the suspension will not eliminate high gas prices. Still, every little bit helps.
The current Georgia gas tax suspension is expected to remain in place through Oct. 29.
