Democratic candidate urges Georgia governor to reinstate diesel tax suspension
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms is asking Gov. Brian Kemp to re-activate the diesel fuel tax suspension after its lapse caused price spikes.
Georgia’s Democratic candidate for governor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, has publicly requested that Gov. Brian Kemp restore the diesel fuel tax suspension that was in effect earlier this year. Kemp initially signed a 60-day suspension in March, later extending it to May before allowing it to expire, after which diesel prices climbed by $0.37 per gallon. Bottoms argues that the increase, which has pushed average diesel costs above $6 per gallon, is driven by the war in the Middle East and is harming Georgia residents.
She called for an immediate tax suspension to curb the record-high prices. Republican rival Rick Jackson has suggested a trigger mechanism that would suspend the gas tax if prices rise sharply due to war or natural disaster, a proposal Democrats have criticized as evasive. Analysts note that multiple geopolitical factors, including the Iran-related Strait of Hormuz closure and Russian export bans, have compounded the price surge.
How this story developed
- Sep 2 Diesel hits $5.68 per gallon, highest since 2022, as Trump urges price cuts
- Sep 3 Gasoline now costs roughly 8 zł per litre and diesel 8.70 zł, prompting questions about state intervention. Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka blamed the sharp increase on the war in the Middle East. He explained that the previously planned CPN relief scheme, funded by a tax on extraordinary energy-company profits, cannot be revived because the president halted that tax. The ministry is working on a new law to tax excess profits, with discussions slated for the autumn, but no immediate aid will reach motorists.
- Sep 4 Trump convened a meeting with refiners at the White House to discuss pump prices.
- Sep 6 AAA linked the price surge to elevated crude oil prices from the Iran war and instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 7 As the war enters its seventh month, crude oil has climbed past $100 per barrel, sending jet-fuel refining margins to $163. Airlines such as Qantas and Virgin are seeing fuel bills surge, leading them to increase fares, reassess seat capacity and rely less on hedging. In Australia, pump prices have jumped 37% for unleaded and 45% for diesel, adding pressure on motorists. Analysts warn that without a de-escalation, high fuel costs will persist throughout the year.
- Sep 7 Hungarian diesel price reached a record above 688 forints per litre.
- Sep 7 Diesel price rose to $5.85 per gallon, a new national high.
- Sep 9 The president blocked the tax on extraordinary profits of energy firms, leaving the state without budgetary means to aid motorists.
- Sep 12 Rough’s production licence is set to expire in April, ending extraction at the site.
- Sep 18 The Sejm voted to pass the extraordinary‑profits tax on fuel companies.
- Sep 19 Diesel prices reached $5.68 per gallon, the highest figure since 2022.
- Sep 22 Indian airlines have increased seat capacity in Delhi and Maharashtra.
- Sep 22 Trump told reporters he wants to stop sending diesel abroad, citing the surge in diesel costs driven by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is reviewing whether a full or partial ban is feasible. Republican Senate hopefuls, including Ashley Hinson, have urged the government to adopt the ban to ease price pressures on Americans.
- Sep 23 Rural GOP lawmakers have publicly demanded action on diesel exports ahead of the November election.
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