Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency and temporarily suspended the state’s motor fuel tax as petrol and diesel prices rise, partly amid disruption linked to the Iran war. The move is intended to ease costs for residents and businesses, and comes as Republicans face a difficult political outlook ahead of November’s midterm elections.

The suspension is expected to reduce the price by 33 cents per gallon of petrol and 37 cents per gallon of diesel; the order also lifts weight limits on commercial vehicles, which Kemp’s office says could help lower the cost of goods. Georgia’s average prices were reported at $4.19 per gallon for petrol and $6.24 for diesel, up from $2.87 and $3.54 respectively a year earlier. The article also cites polling that puts Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff ahead of his Republican challenger, while the governor’s race is considered a toss-up.