Georgia gas tax suspension set to expire by 11:59p.m.

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Georgia’s temporary suspension of the state gas tax is set to expire at 11:59 p.m., and some drivers say they are concerned about what that could mean for their wallets.

Governor Brian Kemp announced he does not plan to extend the suspension, which has been in place for the past two months.

For drivers who rely on diesel fuel every day, the potential increase in fuel costs is a growing concern.

“Diesel is what runs America,” Zack Shahan said. “It runs all your big trucks, small trucks, heavy equipment, and farmers around here in Chickamauga and Ringgold. People have got to understand we have to have diesel to live.”

Several drivers told News 12 they are disappointed the tax break will soon come to an end.

Lauren Elsberry believes the state could afford to continue providing relief.

“We have already been in a predicament where we are not able to afford things,” Elsberry explained. “Now this is just something on top of that. We can afford as a state to extend it. That’s the other component. We actually could afford to extend the tax break for another period of time.”

Others pointed to the financial strain rising fuel costs have placed on businesses and truck owners.

“It takes me two times to slide my card to fill it up,” Shahan added.

Randy Fennell said higher fuel prices have become especially difficult for small operators.

“It’s killing the mom-and-pop outlets because it’s costing so much more to fill these trucks up,” Fennell stated. “Before, it cost around $250. Now it costs nearly $400 to fill the trucks up.”

While many drivers are unhappy about the change, others say they understand the reasoning behind ending the suspension.

“I support the president, so whatever he has to do,” Bill Jones said. “It’s sad we have to pay that much for gas, but it’ll be over soon.”

Some estimates suggest prices could increase by as much as 30 cents per gallon once the suspension expires.

However, not everyone noticed significant savings while the tax break was in place.

“I didn’t know they had a tax suspension,” Shahan admitted. “I got gas in Georgia and just saw it last night. I thought to myself that I really didn’t see much difference.”

Drivers in Georgia should be aware that the state’s gas tax suspension is scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m.