Gas prices barely budged over the past week, despite the expected demand surge due to the July 4th holiday. AAA predicted that more than 43 million people would hit the road to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Despite the record number, the national average for a gallon of gas drifted two cents lower since last week to $3.52.

As of Saturday, there were several places in Chattooga County where drivers could find gas less than $3.00 per gallon.  According to Gas Buddy dot com, regular unleaded gas was $2.99 at the Chevron and Amoco stations on Commerce Street, and the Great Way Food Mart in Summerville.  Gas was also $2.99 per gallon at Victory Fuels (Shell) in Trion.

“Gas prices may rise over the next few days based on slightly higher demand,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But it could be more of a blip than a trend, and demand may retreat once the holiday is further in the rearview mirror.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand increased slightly from 9.31 to 9.6 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 2.5 million bbl to 219.5 million bbl. Rising gas demand amid decreasing supply will likely push pump prices higher.