ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — For the past several months, Georgia drivers have gotten a break every time they filled up their tanks thanks to Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers suspending the state’s motor fuel tax. That tax relief, which saved drivers roughly 33 cents per gallon on gasoline and more than 37 cents per gallon on diesel, expires at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 2.

>> FILL UP NOW: Georgia’s gas tax suspension expires in hours <<

The suspension was first approved earlier this year as fuel prices surged. Kemp later extended the tax break multiple times, including through Memorial Day Weekend, saying Georgia families should not be blindsided by rising costs at the pump.

Since March, the suspension has helped keep Georgia’s gas prices among the lowest in the country. State officials said Georgia was one of only a handful of states to temporarily suspend its motor fuel tax to provide direct relief to drivers.

For many Georgians, the savings added up quickly.

Experts estimate a driver filling a standard 15-gallon tank saved about $5 every time they stopped for gas. Families with multiple vehicles, commuters, delivery drivers and small businesses often saved much more over the course of the suspension.

According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, the tax suspension was implemented because rising fuel prices were creating financial hardship for Georgia taxpayers. State leaders said the move was intended to ease that burden while fuel costs remained elevated.

Now, that relief is ending.

Kemp’s office announced Monday, June 1, that the suspension will not be extended again, citing more stable oil prices while noting that the state will continue monitoring future fuel costs and economic conditions.

AAA Georgia said the statewide average for regular gasoline was about $3.83 per gallon on Monday. With the expiration of the state’s gas tax suspension, drivers could begin seeing prices rise by roughly 33 cents per gallon as stations begin collecting the tax again. Officials said the increase may not appear at every station immediately, as fuel inventories are sold and replenished.

The end of the suspension has also reignited discussion about whether Georgia should permanently reduce or eliminate portions of its gas tax. Supporters argue the tax break has provided meaningful relief to families struggling with inflation and high transportation costs. Opponents note that gas tax revenue helps fund road and bridge projects across the state.

For now, drivers still have until midnight on Tuesday to take advantage of the tax suspension.

Beginning Wednesday, Georgians can expect to once again pay the state’s motor fuel tax when they fill up, ending a period of relief that has saved motorists money for much of the spring and early summer.

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