Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended the state’s gas tax for 30 days as drivers face sharply higher fuel prices amid global energy-market volatility linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Kemp declared a state of emergency Monday and ordered the suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. The suspension will remain in effect through Oct. 29.

Georgia’s gas tax normally adds 33.3 cents to every gallon of gasoline and 37.3 cents to every gallon of diesel. Suspending the tax temporarily removes that state charge as motorists and businesses contend with elevated fuel costs.

The governor’s office said the action is intended to provide immediate relief to families, businesses and farmers dealing with rising transportation and energy costs.

Georgia drivers were paying an average of about $4.19 per gallon for regular gasoline, while diesel was averaging $6.24 per gallon, according to figures cited by the governor’s office.

“Families, businesses and farmers across our state are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing costs at the pump,” Republican Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns said, adding that the state was taking action to provide relief.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the suspension would help families facing higher gasoline and grocery costs while also providing relief to farmers dealing with diesel prices that have more than doubled in recent weeks.

Kemp’s executive order also suspends state weight limits for commercial vehicles. The administration said the move is intended to reduce transportation costs that can ultimately affect the prices consumers pay for groceries and other goods.

The move comes as energy markets have faced increased volatility amid disruptions and uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict and shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global petroleum supplies.

Georgia’s fuel taxes are normally dedicated to transportation projects, including roads and bridges. The state has previously used accumulated surplus funds to offset revenue lost when the tax is suspended.

Kemp has repeatedly suspended the gas tax during periods of elevated fuel prices. The state suspended the tax for 60 days beginning in March 2026 and extended that suspension through June 3.

Kemp also suspended Georgia’s fuel tax during the energy-price surge following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, during high inflation in 2023, and briefly following Hurricane Helene in 2024.

The latest suspension gives Georgia motorists another temporary break from the state fuel tax as prices remain elevated. The governor’s office said the measure is intended to provide relief while fuel markets remain volatile.