As Diesel Shortage Looms, Gov. Kemp

Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders on November 4 extending the temporary suspension of the state motor fuel and locomotive fuel tax as well as the supply chain state of emergency. Both will be effective through December 11. Georgians are still facing 40-year high inflation, and the recently announced decision that OPEC will decrease oil production will further exacerbate high gas prices — and the U.S. strategic oil reserve is at its lowest level since 1984.

'As another holiday season and a looming diesel shortage ap- continued from page

proaches, Georgians are still facing record high inflation, growing costs at the grocery store just before Thanksgiving, and high prices at the pump as they prepare to travel to see family, all due to a complete failure of leadership in Washington,' said Governor Brian Kemp.

'While we can't fix everything politicians have broken, our responsible approach to reopening our economy while prioritizing both lives and livelihoods allows us to deliver needed relief by continuing to suspend our state's gas tax.'

Because of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly's fiscally conservative approach to budgeting, Georgia can confidently extend the state motor fuel and locomotive tax suspension to help curb historic gas prices. Kemp has extended the gas tax relief several times over the last six months, but this time might be different as Georgia absorbs repercussions from neighboring states.

According to Dave Williams of Capitol Beat, as Florida and South Carolina continue recovery efforts following the severe damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the Southeast could experience further supply chain issues and higher demand on fuel supplies. 'While Georgia was largely spared the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, Florida and South Carolina endured both significant destruction and flooding,' Governor Kemp said.

'As we both pray for these neighbors in need and send resources and volunteers to aid in their recovery, we're also bracing for the impact on already strained supply chains and prices at the gas pump that are already too high.”

Since the temporary suspension of the gasoline tax was implemented last March amid skyrocketing pump prices across the nation, Georgia’s average price for gas has remained one of the lowest in the nation. Currently, a gallon of regular gas is costing Georgians about 62 cents below the national average, according to AAA.

Without the tax being collected, Georgians have saved about $800 million in fuel costs over that same timeframe.