Georgia AG Warns Businesses on Gas Tax Suspension Compliance

GA Consumer Protection Press Releases

Published March 20th, 2026

Detected March 29th, 2026

Summary

The Georgia Attorney General is reminding businesses of the 60-day suspension of the state's gas tax, effective March 20, 2026. Businesses are warned that failure to pass associated savings on to consumers may be investigated and prosecuted as an unfair or deceptive act.

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What changed

The Georgia Attorney General's office has issued a notice reminding businesses of the recent 60-day suspension of the state's motor fuel excise tax, which became effective on March 20, 2026. The notice explicitly warns that any business found to be purposefully failing to comply with the law by not passing the tax savings on to consumers could face investigation and prosecution under Georgia's Unfair or Deceptive Acts and Practices Act.

Businesses, particularly fuel retailers, must ensure that the reduction in excise tax (33.3 cents per gallon for gasoline, 37.3 cents per gallon for diesel) is reflected in their pricing to consumers. Failure to do so may be considered an unfair or deceptive practice, leading to potential enforcement actions by the Attorney General's office. Consumers suspecting violations are directed to report them via consumer.ga.gov or by calling the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

What to do next

Ensure gas prices reflect the suspended excise tax savings for consumers.
Review pricing practices to avoid any appearance of unfair or deceptive acts.
Be prepared for potential investigation if pricing changes are not passed on.

Penalties

Investigation and potential prosecution for unfair or deceptive acts.

Source document (simplified)

ATLANTA, GA – Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is reminding businesses of the recent suspension of the gas tax and noting that any failure to comply will result in an investigation and potential prosecution.

“We commend Governor Kemp and our partners in the legislature for passing this critical measure to lower costs at the pump,” said Carr. “Any business that purposefully fails to comply with the law will be investigated immediately, and we will not hesitate to prosecute if warranted. Now is not the time to play games at the expense of Georgia consumers.”

On March 20, 2026, Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 1199 into law suspending, for 60 days, the excise tax on motor fuel provided for by O.C.G.A. § 48-9-3(a)(1). The suspension became effective on March 20, 2026, upon its signature by the Governor, and applies to both diesel fuel and motor fuel other than diesel. Prices at the pump will begin to reflect this change in the coming days and weeks as retailers receive new shipments of motor fuel. Georgia's excise tax on gasoline is currently 33.3 cents per gallon and 37.3 cents per gallon of diesel.

Failure to pass the associated savings on to customers could constitute an unfair or deceptive act, which the Attorney General has the authority to investigate and prosecute (O.C.G.A. §§ 10-1-390 through 408).

To report suspected violations, visit consumer.ga.gov or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600.