The Georgia gas price average spikes during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Georgia drivers are paying an average price of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average was 15 cents more than a week ago, 19 cents more than a month ago and 12 cents more than this time last year. It now costs an average of $48.45 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are now paying almost $2 more to fill up at the pump compared to a year ago.
“Gas prices traditionally rise as winter winds down and spring leaps forward,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Georgians want to know why gas prices are increasing, especially with the high cost of living. The jump at the pumps can be attributed to rising crude oil prices, the switch over to summer blend gasoline, which is more expensive to produce, and increased demand on the roadways.”
The national gas price average is on the rise
Since last Monday (March 11), the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by seven cents to $3.46 (subject to change overnight). With the cost of oil crossing the $80 per barrel mark and gas demand popping with warmer temps and better weather, these changes are impacting prices at the pump.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration, gas demand increased slightly from 9.01 to 9.04 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks dropped by 5.6 million barrels to 234.1 million barrels. Higher gas demand, amid tightening supply, has pushed pump prices higher.
Regional prices
• The most expensive Georgia metro markets are Savannah ($3.42), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($3.39) and Atlanta ($3.37).
• The least expensive Georgia metro markets are Dalton ($3.31), Warner Robins ($3.25) and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($3.24).