ATLANTA — Georgia drivers will continue receiving relief at the pump after Gov. Brian Kemp extended the state’s gas tax suspension through Nov. 30, but some residents say the measure does not address the underlying causes of higher fuel prices.
The extension keeps the suspension in place through the Thanksgiving travel season as Georgia’s average gas price remains below the national average.
According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gas in Georgia was $3.65 per gallon Monday morning, nearly 65 cents lower than the national average.
Shawn Conroy with the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division says the state’s price-gouging law also remains in effect to protect consumers.
Conroy explained that gas prices can still increase under certain circumstances, including when retailers face higher wholesale costs.
“One of the variables that allow them to fluctuate is that the product can be increased in price if the retailer is paying more from their wholesaler,” Conroy said.
The Consumer Protection Division regularly receives reports of possible price gouging, including when Georgia is not under a state of emergency.
“We will certainly accept consumer complaints at consumer.ga.gov and at (404) 651 8600,” Conroy said.
He also recommends that drivers use AAA and GasBuddy to compare gas prices and find lower-cost stations in their area.
Meanwhile, Atlanta residents have mixed reactions to the governor’s decision to extend the suspension.
Atlanta resident Gary Del-Abate says the extension offers some relief as Georgians continue dealing with rising everyday expenses.
“Thats very helpful to people,” Del-Abate said.
However, fellow Atlanta resident Elke Davidson believes the suspension provides only temporary relief.
“A band aid on the underlying issue which is the war in Iran,” Davidson said.
Davidson says that despite being financially secure, she continues to feel the effects of higher prices at grocery stores and gas stations.
“Thank you for making it a little easier on us, but that’s not dealing with the driver of the issue,” Davidson said.
The ongoing war in the Middle East and increasing demand continue to contribute to higher fuel costs.
Despite those pressures, Conroy hopes Georgia drivers will continue benefiting from gas prices below the national average.
“Hopefully continue to see Georgia enjoy well below the national average at the pump on gas prices,” Conroy said.
Georgia’s gas tax suspension will remain in effect through Nov. 30.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & MaryRyan Howarth contributed to this story.
