Georgia drivers are seeing a noticeable increase at the gas pump this week as rising crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to push fuel costs higher across the state.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Georgia now stands at $3.77, an increase of 20 cents from last week, 9 cents higher than a month ago and 87 cents more than this time last year. Filling a standard 15-gallon tank now costs drivers about $56.55.
AAA says higher crude oil prices, fueled in part by concerns over instability in the Strait of Hormuz, combined with strong summer travel demand, are continuing to place upward pressure on fuel prices.
“Gas prices continue to climb across Georgia and much of the country as higher crude oil prices drive up the cost of fuel,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Geopolitical uncertainty and strong summer travel demand remain key factors in the market, and drivers may continue to see upward pressure at the pump in the weeks ahead.”
Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline rose 12 cents this week to $3.99 per gallon, bringing the nationwide average close to the $4 mark once again.
Despite the statewide increase, there is good news for drivers in northwest Georgia. The Catoosa-Dade-Walker metro area continues to have some of the lowest gas prices in the state, with an average price of $3.67 per gallon. Only Warner Robins, at $3.68, and Albany, at $3.69, are in the same range, making the Walker and Dade County area one of the most affordable places in Georgia to fill up.
By comparison, the state’s most expensive metro markets include Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.88 per gallon, Savannah at $3.86 and Macon at $3.79. The Atlanta metro area is averaging $3.78 per gallon.
AAA encourages motorists to compare gas prices between stations, take advantage of fuel rewards programs when available and plan trips efficiently to help reduce fuel expenses as prices continue to rise.
While drivers across Georgia are paying more than they were just a week ago, residents of Walker and Dade counties continue to benefit from some of the lowest gasoline prices anywhere in the state, even as market conditions point to the possibility of additional increases in the weeks ahead.