Georgia residents are feeling the pinch at the pump this week as the average price for regular unleaded gasoline has risen to $3.00 per gallon. This marks an increase of 6 cents compared to last week and the same amount from a month ago. However, Georgians are paying 17 cents less than they did at this time last year, with an average fill-up cost of approximately $45.00 for a 15-gallon tank.

Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group, sheds light on the reasons behind the uptick in prices. “With spring just around the corner, refineries are switching up to their summer fuels and doing their usual tune-ups, which means we might see a bit of a bump in prices around this time. Additionally, a major refinery in Northern California paused operations due to an explosion on February 1st, which has contributed to rising prices in certain areas of the country.” Nationally, the trend follows suit as the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has seen a slight increase of 2 cents, bringing the national average to $3.15. Seasonal trends, including the transition to summer blend fuels and routine maintenance at refineries, are contributing to the upward pressure on gas prices as warmer months approach. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gasoline demand has risen from 8.32 million barrels per day to 8.57 million barrels, while total domestic gasoline supply has decreased from 251.1 million barrels to 248.1 million.

Despite an increase in gasoline production, averaging 9.3 million barrels daily, the tightening supply is causing concern for consumers. In the oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil experienced a drop of $1.95, settling at $71.37 a barrel. Meanwhile, crude oil inventories have risen by 4.1 million barrels but remain about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year, according to EIA data. As Georgians prepare for the changes that spring brings, they may want to keep a close eye on gas prices, as fluctuations are likely to continue in the coming weeks.

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Atlanta ($3.06), Athens ($3.05), and Savannah ($3.01).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Dalton ($2.91), Albany ($2.89), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.841).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.87), Walker ($2.82), Floyd ($2.93), Gordon ($2.94), DeKalb, AL ($2.78), Cherokee, AL ($2.80).