Gas jumped up to a $4.29 state average Monday morning, matching the all-time record high originally set in March of this year. According to the AAA Weekly Fuel Report released, that’s a 16-cent increase in just one week. That’s 53 cents more than last month and $1.39 more than this time last year.
“Elevated gas prices may factor into Georgians' hesitation to hit the road this summer,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Prices at the pump are likely to remain high, therefore, it may be a good idea to start setting aside some money now for upcoming road travel.”
Habersham County has some of the lowest gas prices in Northeast Georgia at $4.23. Hall County is close behind at $4.24. The most expensive gas prices in our area can be found in Banks County at $4.35.
Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by 25 cents to $4.86. Georgia has the lowest gas prices in the entire country. California has the highest prices, averaging $6.34.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 700,000 barrels to 219 million barrels. Last week, gasoline demand grew from 8.8 million barrels a day to 8.98 million barrels a day as drivers fueled up for Memorial Day weekend travel. According to the AAA report released, “these supply and demand dynamics contributed to rising pump prices. Coupled with volatile crude oil prices, pump prices will likely remain elevated as long as demand grows and supply remains tight.”