Maryland, Georgia temporarily suspend state gas tax to alleviate surging prices as US ban against Russian oil causes pain at the pump

Georgia and Maryland will have a temporary gas tax holiday on Friday.

The legislation comes as US gas prices have gone up in recent weeks after the Biden administration banned imports of Russian oil. The average price for a gallon of gas was $4.26 as of Sunday, but is still 75 cents higher than a month ago.

The price of crude oil has risen to over $100 a barrel since Russia invaded Ukraine.

The federal gas tax holiday is not going to be passed by Capitol Hill. Democrats are pushing for a tax cut while Republicans are against it, NBC reported.

According to sources, House Democrats recently rejected other federal initiatives due to expense and inflation concerns.

The National Conference of State Legislatures told NBC News that at least 17 states are exploring local legislation to reduce gas costs. State gas taxes ranged from $0.09 per gallon in Alaska to $0.58 per gallon in Pennsylvania.

The bipartisan bill signed by the Republican governor eliminates the state's gasoline tax for one month. Georgia's law will suspend the tax on motor fuel and diesel until the end of May.

Hogan said at the bill signing ceremony that the bipartisan action would provide some relief from the pain at the pump.

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said that gas prices and inflation are unpredictable in part because of the unprovoked aggression in Ukraine.

What we can show as leaders here in the state of Maryland is that we can respond quickly.