Drivers in Georgia are facing a surge at the pump, with the average gas price for regular gasoline hitting $3.40 per gallon—an 8-cent increase from just last week. This figure is just below the national average, which stands at $3.52. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the rising prices are attributed to an uptick in oil prices, with AAA cautioning that the situation could worsen during hurricane season should storms disrupt critical locations.
While current prices reflect this uptrend, there's a notable difference across various metro markets in Georgia. Atlanta reigns as the most expensive with an average of $3.43 per gallon. In contrast, areas like Warner Robins, Dalton, and Catoosa-Dade-Walker are feeling a slightly lesser pinch, with averages hovering around $3.26 to $3.27. A spokesperson from AAA remarked on the trend, stating, "Fuel prices across the nation have edged higher in the last week, spurred on by the steady climb in oil prices," in a statement obtained by WRGA News.
For Georgians, this increase means that filling a 15-gallon tank now costs around $50.85—a nearly $2.00 rise compared to last year's expenses. Local averages add a bit more granularity to the picture, with Floyd County at $3.32, Gordon County at $3.33, and Barrow County somewhat higher at $3.37, while Chattooga County posted the lowest average at $3.24.
Despite recent events, such as Hurricane Beryl's impact on Texas and a record turnout of July 4th travelers, the national average saw a mere 2-cent increase. Experts believe this is due to tepid gasoline demand, as reported by the Energy Information Administration. Last week's gasoline demand trickled down minimally from 9.42 million barrels daily to 9.39, potentially contributing to some short-term stabilization of pump prices, even with oil costs remaining above $80 per barrel.
