Georgia drivers are seeing higher prices at the pump compared to last week, with the state’s average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline rising to $2.94—an increase of 5 cents in just seven days.
While prices are up from last week, they remain 5 cents lower than last month and 41 cents cheaper than a year ago.
At this rate, filling a standard 15-gallon tank now costs drivers around $44.10, which is nearly $7 less than this time last year.
“Typically, gas prices drop if demand is low and crude oil is cheaper. Unfortunately, not this time,” AAA- The Auto Club Group spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said. “Some refineries are switching to summer blend gasoline, which works better in the heat and costs more to make. However, there is still good news. Georgia drivers are paying 18 cents less than the national average of $3.12.”
Despite the increase, Georgia drivers are still paying 18 cents less per gallon than the national average of $3.12.
National trends: Gas prices tick upward
Nationally, gas prices have risen 5 cents since last Monday, bringing the U.S. average to $3.12 per gallon. This increase comes despite a drop in demand, according to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. Gasoline consumption declined from 9.18 million barrels per day to 8.81 million, while domestic gasoline stockpiles dipped slightly from 241.1 million barrels to 240.6 million.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices remain volatile. Last Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at $67.16 per barrel, marking a 26-cent increase from the previous session. U.S. crude inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels, bringing total stockpiles to 437 million barrels—about 5% below the five-year average for this season.
As summer approaches, fuel costs may continue to fluctuate, especially with seasonal refinery shifts and ongoing global oil market trends.
