Kemp and Warnock push for halt to gas taxes as prices rise

gas taxes georgia warnock kemp
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., speaks to supporters at a gas station on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 in Sandy Springs, Ga. Warnock on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 renewed his call to suspend the federal gas tax as Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia called for suspending the state gas tax. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Tuesday he wants to suspend collections of state motor fuel taxes amid rising pump prices, on the same day Democratic President Joe Biden announced a ban on U.S. imports of Russian oil, a move likely to continue the upward pressure on prices.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia has already been advocating for the federal government to suspend collection of its gas tax, responding to discontent over rising fuel prices, a marker of inflation.

Georgia’s gasoline price includes a federal tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and a state tax of 29.1 cents per gallon. A number of cities and counties also charge taxes. Federal taxes on diesel fuel are 24.4 cents per gallon, while Georgia’s tax on diesel is 32.6 cents per gallon.