Georgia lawmakers consider 60-day gas tax suspension as prices surge

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Filling up in Georgia is costing drivers nearly 90 cents more per gallon than it did this time last year — and state lawmakers are weighing a short-term plan they say could offer relief at the pump.

At a Savannah gas station, drivers told WTOC they’re already making tough choices just to keep their tanks full and said even a small break would help.

What’s in the proposal

The Georgia House has approved an amendment to House Bill 1199 that would suspend the state’s motor fuel tax for 60 days. The measure now heads back to the Georgia Senate. If approved there, it would go to Gov. Brian Kemp for consideration.

Georgia drivers currently pay a 33-cent state tax per gallon.

‘It affects the whole market’

Some drivers said higher gas prices are spilling into other parts of the economy.

Steve Diggins, a car salesman who stopped for gas in Savannah, said the rising cost to fill up is affecting consumer spending.

“It’s really affecting my sales because people are putting more in the tank and they can’t put more in buying cars and it affects the whole market, actually,” Diggins said.

Other commuters said the impact is magnified by how far they drive.

Nick Purcell said he drives an hour each way to work and believes suspending the gas tax would make a noticeable difference.

“With the elimination of the gas tax, it would be tremendous because that would save me quite a big back and forth,” Purcell said.

Relief would be temporary

House Speaker Jon Burns said the proposal is designed to ease financial pressure, but any relief would be limited to the 60-day suspension.

Drivers said the jump in prices is forcing them to rethink spending beyond the pump — especially as everyday costs like groceries continue to climb.

“Every day it’s a little bit more and a little bit more, so then you’re having to figure out where to pinch and cut corners,” Jami Calandros said.

Kemp’s office responds

A spokesperson for Gov. Kemp said the governor is working with lawmakers to support Georgia families.

“The Governor is always actively working to find ways to support hardworking Georgians, including this step alongside the legislature to keep more money in their pockets. This follows the passage of a fourth tax refund and builds on multiple previous suspensions of the state gas tax, saving families over $10 billion since 2021,” the spokesperson said.

What happens next

If the Senate signs off on the amended bill, it would head to Gov. Kemp’s desk. Drivers in Savannah said they’ll be watching closely, hoping relief, if approved, shows up quickly at the pump.