Georgia drivers are once again paying more than $4 a gallon for regular gasoline as rising crude oil prices continue to push prices higher at the pump.
According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, Georgia’s average price for regular unleaded gasoline stood at $4.01 per gallon on Monday, September 14. That is 12 cents higher than a week ago, 20 cents higher than a month ago and $1.12 more than drivers were paying at this time last year.
The current statewide average remains 48 cents below Georgia’s record high of $4.49 per gallon, which was set in June 2022.
At $4.01 per gallon, filling a standard 15-gallon tank costs approximately $60.15.
“Georgia drivers are facing continued pain at the pump as rising crude oil prices drive fuel costs higher,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “With oil above $100 per barrel, there’s no clear indication of when gas prices may decline or how high they could go.”
Waiters said the higher prices are putting additional pressure on household budgets and encouraged motorists to compare prices and look for ways to improve their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Northwest Georgia continues to have some of the least expensive gasoline in the state. AAA reported the Catoosa-Dade-Walker metro market at an average of $3.92 per gallon, the lowest among the Georgia metro markets listed. Rome followed at $3.94, while Augusta-Aiken averaged $3.95.
The state’s most expensive metro markets were Savannah at $4.05 per gallon, Macon at $4.04 and Atlanta at $4.03.
Prices are also climbing nationally. The U.S. average jumped 17 cents over the past week to $4.31 per gallon as crude oil prices remained above $100 per barrel. The national average is up from $4.14 a week ago and $3.17 at this time last year.
Despite gasoline demand typically declining following the summer travel season, AAA says higher crude oil costs continue to put upward pressure on prices.
AAA recommends motorists shop around for the lowest gasoline prices, consider paying cash at stations that charge more for credit card purchases and take advantage of fuel rewards programs.
Drivers can also improve fuel economy by keeping their vehicles properly maintained, combining errands to reduce unnecessary trips and avoiding aggressive acceleration and speeding.