Georgia gas stations are still recovering from surging demand last week following the interruption in service to the Colonial Pipeline. According to the weekly report from AAA-The Auto Club South, gasoline sales were reportedly two to three times stronger than normal as drivers lined up at pumps to top off their tanks.
The increased demand and lower supply level caused a sharp increase at Georgia gas pumps, and Georgia motorists are now paying an average price of $2.96 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. The average price is 21-cents more than a week ago, 26-cents more than last month and $1.30 more than this time last year.
It now costs motorists $44.40 to fill a 15-gallon tank of gasoline; that's $7.50 more than what motorists paid in January of 2020 when pump prices hit their peak of $2.46 per gallon.
"The restart of the pipeline last Wednesday was very positive news for motorists,” said AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters'. “While the impact was not seen immediately, Georgians can expect to see a few more days of limited fuel supply but can rest assured that relief is coming.”
AAA urges Georgians to keep these tips in mind to conserve fuel:
- Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible avoid high-traffic times of the day.
- If you own more than one car, use the most fuel-efficient model that meets the needs of any given journey.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than for larger models.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning. Even at highway speeds, open windows have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power required to operate the air conditioning compressor.
- In hot weather, park in the shade or use a windshield sunscreen to lessen heat buildup inside the car. This reduces the need for air conditioning (and thus fuel) to cool down the car.
REGIONAL PRICES
- Most expensive Georgia metro markets – Atlanta ($3.03), Athens ($2.99), and Gainesville ($2.98).
- Least expensive Georgia metro markets – Warner Robins ($2.85), Albany ($2.86), and Valdosta ($2.87).
- Gasoline in several counties surrounding the Gainesville/Hall County area was priced at more than $3 per gallon - Forsyth County ($3.02), Lumpkin County ($3.08), White County ($3.09)
