Reporting by Miguel Legoas, Savannah Morning News
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency across Georgia Tuesday due to the ever-rising gas prices, suspending the gas tax in Georgia. It also forbids price gouging by businesses and suspends state weight limits on commercial vehicles, which may help with the costs of everyday goods like those at the grocery store.
“Global markets remain unstable and are subjecting Georgians to unpredictable price shocks on basic goods and services,” the executive order read. “It is necessary to take proactive measures to insulate Georgia’s citizens from these petroleum supply disruptions, so that families and small businesses can budget appropriately and better ensure their long-term financial stability.”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said via press release “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,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
How much is the gas tax in Georgia?
The tax is 33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel.
Gas prices near me
Before the suspension, AAA reported Georgia averages (rounded to the nearest cent) of $4.19 for regular gas and $6.25 for diesel. The current averages are about $4.18 for regular and $6.23 for diesel.
If the full value of the tax were to be subtracted with no other mitigating factors, Georgians can expect averages to reach $3.86 for regular and $5.87 for diesel in the immediate future.
How long is Georgia gas tax suspension?
The suspension went into effect first thing Tuesday, Sept. 29 and will run through the end of the day Thursday, Oct. 29 unless Kemp renews and extends the State of Emergency.
Why is gas so expensive right now?
It wasn’t explicitly stated in Kemp’s press release or the State of Emergency, but the high gas prices have been and continue to be the result of continued fighting in Iran. AAA reports the national average (rounded to the nearest cent) for regular gas currently stands at $4.46 when a year ago it was about $3.14.
There have been two agreed-upon ceasefires over the past seven months, but those quickly unraveled. Reuters reported U.S. and Iranian officials spoke separately with mediators on Monday as part of a renewed effort to end it.
President Donald Trump has regularly downplayed the high gas prices and their impact, calling it a “small price to pay” for ensuring Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.
Straight of Hormuz oil flow
The Straight of Hormuz accounts for 20% of global oil supply. Its on-and-off blockage by military actions are what is making the market so volatile.
Over the weekend, Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the straight and resume talks on its nuclear program within a week in return for America lifting its naval blockade, waiving sanctions, and a ceasefire. The president said this would not be acceptable, according to AP News.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News.
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