Georgia motorists are paying more at the pump this Labor Day as increased holiday travel and elevated crude oil prices push gasoline prices higher across the state.
As of Monday, Sept. 7, Georgia’s average price for regular unleaded gasoline stands at $3.89 per gallon, according to AAA.
The statewide average is 11 cents higher than a week ago, seven cents higher than a month ago and 98 cents higher than this time last year. At the current average, filling a standard 15-gallon tank with regular gasoline costs approximately $58.35.
AAA says strong Labor Day travel demand, combined with elevated crude oil prices, is contributing to the increase.
“After a record-setting August, Labor Day weekend is shaping up to make history at the pump as well,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Elevated crude oil prices and strong travel demand have combined to push fuel costs higher.”
Waiters said that despite the higher cost of gasoline, many Georgians still chose to travel and take advantage of the long holiday weekend.
Prices vary considerably depending on where motorists are filling up in Georgia. Savannah has the state’s most expensive metro average at $3.96 per gallon, followed by Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.93 and Macon at $3.91. Atlanta’s average stands at $3.90.
Among the state’s least expensive metro markets, Rome is averaging $3.82 per gallon, while Albany motorists are paying an average of $3.81.
Gasoline prices are even higher nationally.
The national average has reached $4.14 per gallon, up seven cents from last week. AAA says crude oil prices above $90 per barrel continue to put upward pressure on fuel costs, outweighing the seasonal decline in gasoline demand.
The current national average is 32 cents higher than the previous Labor Day record of $3.82 per gallon, which was set in 2012.
Georgia’s current $3.89 average remains below the national average, but motorists across the state are paying substantially more for gasoline than they were at this time last year.