Georgia gas prices showed little to no movement last week, as Peach State drivers are paying an average of $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline.
That number sits as a copy of last week's average and is 17 cents more than prices one month ago, while being six cents less than this time last year, according to AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters.
On average, it costs drivers $48 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline, which is a $1 drop from prices to fill up at the pump when compared to a year ago.
“The usual ebb and flow of gas prices came to a pause last week in Georgia,” Waiters said. “However, now that demand is ticking upward in anticipation of Spring Break, as well as crude oil prices increasing, Georgians may have to pay more at the pumps this week. We encourage drivers to follow the money-saving gas tips listed below.”
Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by 5 cents to $3.26. More expensive oil is a likely culprit, as crude accounts for nearly 60% of pump prices, Waiters said Monday. The cost for a barrel of oil is edging closer to $80, about $10 more per barrel than a few months ago.
Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that gas demand jumped from 8.47 to 9.01 million barrels a day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks tightened by 4.5 million barrels to 239.7 million barrels. Growing gas demand, amid tighter supply, has pushed pump prices higher according to authorities.
Gas prices around Gainesville currently sit just below the state average at $3.09, which is six cents cheaper than last week.
The most expensive prices seen in the metro markets are in Savannah, at $3.30, Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($3.28) and Brunswick ($3.23).
The cheapest prices in metro markets are seen in Dalton ($3.11), Warner Robins ($3.09) and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($3.07).
Below are some money-saving tips provided by AAA for Georiga drivers:
- Shop around for gas prices. Drivers can check area gas prices on the Fuel Price Finder.
- Consider paying in cash versus a credit card. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
- Enroll in fuel savings programs.
- Maintain your vehicle to ensure the best fuel economy.
- Combine errands to limit driving time.
- Slow down. Fuel economy diminishes significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph. Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive driving.
- Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.
