Gas prices in Georgia remain steady at an average of $2. 96 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. This price is unchanged from the previous week, 6 cents higher than a month ago, and 6 cents lower than last year. It costs Georgians about $44. 40 to fill a 15-gallon tank, which is nearly $1. 00 less than the same time last year. Montrae Waiters from AAA states that increasing oil reserves in the U. S. and uncertainty in energy strategies are affecting fuel costs differently across regions.

Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3. 12, also unchanged since last week. Even though oil costs are decreasing and domestic gasoline demand has slipped from 8. 32 million barrels a day to 8. 08 million, prices are rising in some U. S. areas. Furthermore, total gasoline stocks increased from 243. 6 million barrels to 245. 9 million, while production decreased to an average of 9. 2 million barrels per day.

In the oil market, WTI crude oil fell by 39 cents to $75. 44 a barrel, with U. S. crude oil inventories down by 1. 0 million barrels, currently at 411. 7 million barrels, which is about 6% below the five-year average.

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.03), Athens ($2.99), and Atlanta ($2.98).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Dalton ($2.91), Warner Robins ($2.89), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.84).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.82), Walker ($2.83), Floyd ($2.94), Gordon ($2.91), DeKalb, AL ($2.83), Cherokee, AL ($2.81).