The Georgia gas price average has reversed its downward trend.
Georgia drivers are paying an average price of $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was seven cents more than a week ago, 17 cents more than a month ago and six cents more than this time last year. It now costs an average of $48 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are now paying almost $1 more to fill up at the pump compared to a year ago.
“Historically, March and April tend to bring higher gas prices,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Two factors appear to be impacting prices at the pump. We are entering spring break season, so demand has picked up, and crude oil continues to rise.”
The national gas price average creeps ahead
Since Monday, Feb. 26, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by eight cents to $3.34 (subject to change overnight). Drivers saw gas prices creep up in the final week of February. The upward trend is likely to continue as travelers start heading out of town for spring break.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration, gas demand increased from 8.2 to 8.47 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks declined by 2.8 million barrels to 244.2 million barrels. Growing demand amid tighter supply has also contributed to the increase in pump prices.
Regional prices
• Atlanta: $3.22
• The most expensive Georgia metro markets are Savannah ($3.28), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($3.27) and Brunswick ($3.22).
• The least expensive Georgia metro markets are Dalton ($3.10), Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($3.07) and Warner Robins ($3.06).