Georgia Suspends Fuel Tax, But Other States Unlikely to Follow

Republican governor signs 60-day suspension as gas prices surge, but other states face budget constraints

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:18pm

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Georgia has become the first U.S. state to suspend its fuel taxes after a recent surge in gas prices driven by the war in the Middle East. Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed a law to suspend the state's 33-cent-per-gallon gas tax and 37-cent-per-gallon diesel tax for 60 days, aiming to provide relief to motorists. However, other states do not appear to be following suit, as they are not as flush with cash as they were during the pandemic when federal aid and tax revenues were high.

Why it matters

The fuel tax suspension in Georgia is part of a broader effort by Republican officials to provide tax relief to residents in an election year, as both parties battle for control of the swing state. While some states joined Georgia in offering gas tax holidays in 2022, others like Florida have rejected the idea, citing budget constraints and a preference for addressing global energy market stability.

The details

Georgia's fuel tax suspension is estimated to cost the state $360 million to $400 million in lost revenue, which will be covered by dipping into the state's surplus funds. The move is part of a larger $1.2 billion tax relief package that also includes state income tax rebates. Other states that offered gas tax holidays in 2022, such as Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and New York, have not indicated plans to do so again, with some Democratic leaders arguing the relief is a short-term fix that doesn't address the underlying causes of high prices.

  • On March 18, 2026, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed the law suspending the state's fuel taxes for 60 days.
  • The fuel tax suspension is expected to provide relief to Georgia motorists in the coming days as the price cuts are passed on from wholesalers to gas stations.

The players

Brian Kemp

The Republican governor of Georgia who signed the law suspending the state's fuel taxes for 60 days.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who has said the state has no plans to suspend its 23.5-cent gas tax, arguing there is no "simple fix" to high gas prices.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, whose spokesperson has rejected calls from Maryland Republicans for a 30-day gas tax holiday, arguing it would "blow a $100 million hole" in the state's transportation budget.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't an issue that we just discovered. It's one we've been taking action on for years, in a strategic and carefully planned way, to help hardworking Georgians.”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia

“My answer is just get the cost down internationally, and that means having stable energy markets, making sure we're doing everything to get our stuff to market. But I don't know that there's going to be any simple fix.”

— Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

“Marylanders need real relief, not a 30-day gas tax suspension that would blow a $100 million hole in our transportation budget while we're working to close Maryland's budget shortfall. If Maryland Republicans are serious about lowering costs, they should pick up the phone and call Donald Trump and tell him to end this missionless war — instead of asking Maryland taxpayers to help pay for it.”

— Ammar Moussa, Spokesperson for Governor Wes Moore of Maryland

What’s next

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The takeaway

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