GEORGIA (WJBF) – Governor Brian P. Kemp declared a State of Emergency and signed an executive order to temporarily suspend the gas tax in Georgia as a result of the petroleum shortage from the May 7, 2021 cyber-attack on the Colonial Pipeline.
The State of Emergency will remain in effect through 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2021.
When Gov. Kemp declared this State of Emergency, Georgia’s price gouging statutes were activated. This means that while the State of Emergency remains in effect, businesses may not charge more for products and services.
Consumers should also be aware that the Public Health State of Emergency originally issued by the Governor on March 14, 2020 to assist with the state’s response to Covid-19 is currently in effect through May 30, 2021. That order prohibits price gouging of goods and services necessary to support public health.
Violators of Georgia’s price gouging statutes may be fined up to $5,000 per violation.
Kemp also announced that Georgia is increasing the weight limits for trucks transporting fuel, providing more supply for stations as they receive deliveries.
“My office has been in close contact with company and industry officials since we first learned of the Colonial cyber attack over the weekend. Unfortunately, extensive media coverage has caused people to panic which has resulted in higher gas prices. We are taking action to relieve some of the cost burden from Georgians as Colonial recovers by suspending fuel taxes, increasing the weight limit for supply trucks, and prohibiting price gouging.
“We expect these measures to be temporary as Colonial plans to be fully up and running later this week. There is no need to rush to the gas station to fill up every tank you have and hoard gas. With the measures we have taken today, I am hopeful we can get more supply to stations and get through to this weekend when we hope Colonial will return to normal.”
Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia
