Georgia Suspends Fuel Taxes for 60 Days

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation on Friday suspending the state's fuel taxes for 60 days, providing the first such relief in the United States as gasoline prices climb amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The measure waives Georgia's 33.3 cents per gallon tax on gasoline and 37.3 cents per gallon on diesel, a response to supply disruptions that have driven up costs nationwide since the war began on February 28.

The suspension, which takes effect immediately, is expected to deliver savings of about 5 to 6 dollars per tank for typical passenger vehicles, according to state estimates. Officials project the state will forgo between 360 million and 400 million dollars in revenue, funds normally earmarked for roads and bridges. To cover the shortfall, Georgia will draw from its accumulated surplus. Kemp framed the action as part of ongoing efforts to ease financial pressures on residents. "Hardworking Georgians know best how to spend their money, not the government," he said in a statement. "That's why I'm proud to sign these bills and, along with the General Assembly, deliver meaningful tax relief on top of the other measures we've taken in recent years."