Georgia Suspends Fuel Taxes for 60 Days — Diesel Drops 39¢/Gallon in the State

Governor Brian Kemp signed a law March 20 suspending state fuel taxes for 60 days. Drivers in Georgia will see diesel 39¢/gallon cheaper and gas 33¢ less.

⛽ Georgia Gives Relief at the Pump — 60 Days Tax-Free

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a law on March 20, 2026 suspending all state fuel taxes for 60 days, offering immediate relief to drivers, truckers and fleets operating in the state.

How Much Will Prices Drop?

• Diesel: Reduction of 39.1¢ per gallon
• Gasoline: Reduction of 33.2¢ per gallon

The suspension seeks to help residents and businesses cope with rising fuel prices caused by the Strait of Hormuz crisis, which has kept national diesel at historically high levels (average $5.25/gal, California $6.49/gal).

🗓️ Key Dates

• Signed: March 20, 2026
• Duration: 60 days (approx. until mid-May)
• Who qualifies: All consumers buying fuel in Georgia (residents, visitors, trucking fleets)

📊 Context: Why Did Georgia Take This Action?

Fuel Prices in Crisis

Diesel prices have risen aggressively in recent weeks due to:

• Strait of Hormuz conflict: Nearly closed since February, blocking oil exports from Persian Gulf
• Reduced global supply: Less crude available for refineries
• Increased spring demand: Construction season, agriculture, transport ramping up

Political Pressure

With midterms in November 2026, cost of living and especially fuel prices are key political issues. Voters are largely judging politicians on their ability to control inflation and transportation costs.

Georgia isn't the only state taking action. Other states are also considering temporary fuel tax suspensions or direct subsidies.

💰 How Much Savings for a Trucker?

Example: Class 8 Truck in Georgia

A tractor-trailer running 2,500 miles per week at 6.5 MPG:

Weekly consumption: 385 gallons

Savings per fill-up in Georgia:

• 385 gal x $0.391 = $150.54 per week
• 4 weeks = $602.16 per month
• 8 weeks (60 days) = $1,204 total

For a small fleet of 5 trucks, that's $6,020 in savings during the 60-day suspension.

Example: Work Pickup or Van

A diesel pickup (Ford F-250, Ram 2500) driving 500 miles per week at 18 MPG:

Weekly consumption: 28 gallons

Savings:

• 28 gal x $0.391 = $10.95 per week
• 8 weeks = $87.60 total

🚛 Impact on Trucking Industry

Advantages

• Better operating margins: Fleets based in Georgia or spending much time there will see reduced fuel costs
• More competitive: Georgia carriers can quote slightly lower rates without sacrificing margin
• Temporary relief: 60 days of breathing room while global market stabilizes

Limitations

• Only in Georgia: Doesn't apply in other states. If your route is nationwide, only part of your fuel benefits
• Temporary: Only 60 days. After that, taxes return
• Doesn't solve root problem: High diesel prices are caused by reduced global supply, not state taxes

🗺️ Will Other States Do the Same?

Georgia is the first state in 2026 to suspend fuel taxes, but others are likely to follow:

• South Carolina: Legislators discussing similar suspension
• Florida: Governor mentioned possibility of fuel relief
• Texas: Advocacy groups urging Governor Abbott to act
• California: Probably not (priority on electric transition over reducing fossil fuel taxes)

🔍 How Does It Work?

State fuel taxes in Georgia are:

• Diesel: 39.1¢/gallon
• Gasoline: 33.2¢/gallon

During the suspension, these taxes won't be charged at point of sale (gas stations/truck stops). You don't need to do anything special — the discount is automatic.

💡 Advice from El Truck Saver

If you have routes through Georgia, take advantage of the next 60 days to fuel there. Plan your routes so you arrive in Georgia with a low tank and leave with a full one.

⚠️ But don't forget: Fuel savings are temporary. Don't spend it all — save it as a cushion for when prices rise again or taxes return.

🔧 Other Ways to Reduce Diesel Costs

Beyond taking advantage of Georgia's tax suspension, you can permanently reduce your diesel consumption:

1. Go Green APU

• Reduces idle time up to 90%
• Saves $8,000+ per year in diesel
• Info: gogreenapu.com

2. Perfect Alignment

• Improves MPG up to 0.5-0.8 miles per gallon
• Saves $3,000-$5,000 per year (Class 8 truck)
• Extends tire life 20-30%

3. Tire Maintenance

• Correct inflation: Under-inflated tires increase resistance = worse MPG
• Balancing: Reduces vibration, less wear
• Regular rotation: Even wear distribution

4. Efficient Driving

• Avoid harsh acceleration/braking
• Use cruise control on highway
• Reduce speed (60-65 mph optimal for MPG)
• Minimize idle time

📞 Call us: (713) 455-5566 (Houston, TX)
🌐 Visit: www.thetrucksavers.com
🛒 Store: store.thetrucksavers.com

Sources: Transport Topics, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia Department of Revenue, EIA