A call to decrease oil production is driving up prices across the nation and affecting Georgians, as well. According to the weekly fuel report released Monday morning by AAA, gas prices in Georgia have gone up 6 cents this week. The state average is now $3.23.
The national average jumped up 13 cents, making it now $3.92 for a gallon of regular unleaded. As of Monday morning, Georgia still had the lowest gas prices of any state in the country. California has the highest prices at $6.33. Pump prices on the West Coast have increased due to ongoing refinery maintenance at roughly six refineries, severely limiting the region’s supply.
AAA’s spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says there is hope for prices to come back down soon. “Gas prices across the South, East coast, and the Northeast continued to climb after the announcement that OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) planned to cut oil production,” said Waiters. “Traditionally during the fall and winter driving seasons gas demand declines. If this holds true drivers may see a price drop in the weeks ahead.”
In Northeast Georgia, Hall County has the lowest gas prices at $3.14 on average. Lumpkin County has the highest average at $3.25.
Atlanta and Savannah are listed as having some of the highest gas averages statewide.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased nationally from 8.83 million barrels a day to 9.47 million barrels a day last week, and total domestic gasoline stocks decreased significantly by 4.7 million barrels to 207.5 million barrels. According to the AAA report, “High gasoline demand, amid tight supply, has led to higher pump prices nationwide.”
