COLUMBUS, Ga. - Georgia drivers will go without the state's gas tax through Thanksgiving after Gov. Brian Kemp extended the suspension of the motor fuel excise tax through Nov. 30.

Kemp announced the extension Saturday, Oct. 24, along with an extension of the state of emergency he declared over global market volatility. The governor's office said the decision was made in consultation with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns.

The suspension had been set to end Nov. 5. It was first scheduled to expire Oct. 29 before an earlier extension.

"With a major holiday coming up and fuel prices still at high levels, I am proud to take this step to keep more money in Georgians' pockets," Kemp said in a statement.

What drivers save

The state does not collect its excise tax of 33.3 cents a gallon on gasoline or 37.3 cents a gallon on diesel while the suspension is in effect. The state stopped collecting the tax Sept. 28, according to the governor's office.

The emergency order also continues to suspend state weight limits on commercial vehicles and penalties for using off-road "dyed" diesel on roads, measures included in Kemp's earlier orders.

Columbus gas prices

Regular gas averaged $3.59 a gallon in the Columbus area Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to AAA. That is a few cents below Georgia's average of $3.63 and 65 cents below the national average of $4.25.

Diesel averaged $5.72 a gallon in Georgia, according to AAA.

The governor's office has not said whether the suspension will continue past Nov. 30. Drivers can check current prices at AAA.