Gas prices could jump nearly 30 cents overnight when gas tax pause expires in 2 weeks

There are now less than two weeks to go before Georgia’s gas tax relief is scheduled to expire.

The gas tax will return on May 31 at midnight unless Gov. Brian Kemp extends it.

Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach has learned that the governor is considering it.

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Gas prices keep breaking records nationwide, and here in Georgia, they would be breaking the record high we saw back in March. If you bring back in the tax, just add around 29 cents to whatever the current sign says.

You may see a mad rush leading up to midnight on June 2.

“The gas stations are going to be loaded,” one driver said.

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The average price for regular gas in Georgia jumped five cents in one day. Gas stations up and down I-85 from Coweta County to South Fulton County were hovering around $4.11 per gallon.

“Oh, they outrageous,” Thomas Wilson said. “If they go up any higher, I’m going to catch MARTA. I’m going to be smarter. Got to.”

One driver Gehlbach talked to was unconcerned about rising prices since he ditched his truck for a little Toyota that he can fill up for around $40.

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“I don’t watch the price unless it goes to $6,” Femi Osibote said. “Then I may start thinking about it.”

Even with the tax added back in, Georgia would still be cheaper than that national average by about 15 cents a gallon, with experts predicting that prices will keep rising into summer.

Gov. Kemp said he’ll have a final determination on whether or not to extend the pause on the gas tax soon.