Governor Brian Kemp is currently considering whether to suspend Georgia’s gas tax to help drivers deal with a sudden surge in fuel costs. As of mid-March 2026, the Governor has not yet signed an executive order to stop the tax, instead choosing a “wait-and-see” approach. He has stated that he is monitoring the market closely to see if the price hike is a temporary problem or a long-term issue. If he decide to act, Georgians could save about 33.85 cents per gallon at the pump, which is the current state tax rate for gasoline.
Why Gas Prices Are Rising in Georgia
Gas prices in Georgia have moved up quickly over the last few weeks. This change is mostly due to new conflicts in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These tensions have made oil markets nervous, causing the price of a barrel of oil to jump past $100.
According to data from AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia was $3.46 on March 11, 2026. Just one month ago, that same gallon cost only $2.73. This means families are paying nearly 73 cents more per gallon than they were in February. In some areas like Atlanta and Gainesville, prices have even crossed the $3.50 mark.
| Date | Avg. Price (Regular) | Avg. Price (Diesel) |
| March 11, 2026 | $3.46 | $5.00 |
| March 4, 2026 | $3.19 | $4.31 |
| Feb 11, 2026 | $2.73 | $3.54 |
| March 2025 | $2.90 | $3.58 |
Governor Kemp’s Stance: “No Overreacting”
Even though prices are going up, Governor Kemp is being careful. He has used his power to stop the gas tax many times before, such as in 2022 and 2023, to help people fight inflation. However, he does not want to move too fast this time.
During a recent press conference, the Governor explained his logic. He noted that oil prices have been swinging wildly, sometimes dropping back down as quickly as they went up.
“We’ve suspended the gas tax in the past to help Georgians handle affordability concerns, but we’ve also not overreacted to things that potentially could be a short-term blip,” Kemp said.
He mentioned that while oil hit $115 a barrel very recently, it soon moved back toward $90. The Governor wants to be sure that a tax holiday is truly necessary before he cuts off a major source of money for the state’s roads and bridges.
The Political Pressure in Sacramento
While the Governor waits, other lawmakers are calling for immediate action. Democratic leaders in the state say that families cannot afford to wait even a few more days. State Senator Nabilah Parkes has been very vocal about this. She believes the Governor has a responsibility to use the state’s large savings to help people now.
“The buck stops with him. He can do it again to provide immediate relief for working families and small businesses,” Parkes stated recently.
Other lawmakers, like State Representative Akbar Ali, have called the current situation an “emergency.” They argue that “affordability” is not just a word for politicians to use, but a real struggle that people feel every time they go to the grocery store or the gas station.
On the other side, some Republican lawmakers agree with the Governor’s caution. State Senator Russ Goodman noted that the state must be able to fund essential services like schools and law enforcement. He believes the Governor is looking for the “right decision” that balances help for drivers with the state’s financial health.
Expert Opinions on the Price Surge
Experts who study energy say that Georgia is in a tough spot. Severin Borenstein, an energy researcher at UC Berkeley, says that global events almost always dictate what happens at local gas stations. He explained that when oil prices rise this much globally, local prices have no choice but to follow.
“When prices rise nationally, they can rise even more here,” Borenstein noted, adding that Georgia’s supply can sometimes be limited during international crises.
Economists also point out that Georgia is in a better position than many other states to handle a tax cut. The state currently has a “rainy day” fund with over $10 billion in it. This surplus gives the Governor a safety net if he decides to stop collecting the gas tax for a month or two.
History of Gas Tax Suspensions in Georgia
Georgians are used to seeing the gas tax disappear when times get tough. Governor Kemp has established a pattern of using this tool during crises.
2022: The tax was suspended for most of the year to fight high inflation, saving drivers about $1.7 billion.
2023: Kemp suspended the tax again in September to help with the “persistently high cost of living.”
2024: A temporary suspension was put in place after Hurricane Helene caused major disruptions.
These past moves saved the average driver about $30 to $50 per month, depending on how much they drove. For a small business owner with a fleet of trucks, the savings were even higher.
What Should Drivers Expect?
For now, the 33.85-cent tax remains in place. Drivers should keep an eye on the news over the next week. If global oil prices stay above $100, it is very likely that the Governor will feel enough pressure to sign an executive order. Until then, experts suggest driving the speed limit and avoiding “jackrabbit” starts to save as much fuel as possible.
The state’s budget is healthy, and the political will to help voters is high. The main question is not “if” the Governor can help, but “when” he decides the price has reached a breaking point.
