AAA says that Georgia gas prices increased slightly at the pump compared to a week ago. Georgia motorists are now paying an average price of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Monday’s state average was 1 cent more than a week ago, 4 cents more than last month and $1 more than this time last year.

“Georgia gas prices saw minimal or no change at the pumps across the state,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman AAA-The Auto Club Group. “August could prove to be more expensive if crude oil prices increase, driven by market concerns of rising COVID case numbers and how that could negatively affect global demand in the near future.”

Since Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by a penny to $3.17. In its latest weekly report, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that gas demand increased nominally from 9.30 million barrels a day to 9.33 million barrels a day last week. Additionally, total domestic gas stocks declined by 2.3 million barrels to 234.2 million barrels. These trends have helped to stabilize price increases; however, crude oil prices continue to remain above $70 per barrel. As crude prices remain high, AAA expects the national average to remain above $3 per gallon throughout the summer.

Area gas price averages:  Chattooga ($2.91), Floyd ($2.91), Walker ($2.87), Gordon ($2.93), DeKalb, AL ($2.84), Cherokee, AL ($2.83).