Georgia drivers are catching a slight break at the pump as the state’s average gas price has dipped slightly compared to last week. Georgians are now paying an average of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight), according to AAA – The Auto Club Group. This price represents a decrease of 1 cent from a week ago, 11 cents from a month ago, and a significant 46 cents from this time last year.

Filling a 15-gallon tank now costs approximately $43.35, a savings of nearly $7 compared to last year’s prices. “Dipping crude oil rates, a mismatch of supply and demand, and concerns about the economy’s direction could significantly influence fuel prices in the months ahead,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA- The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “AAA encourages drivers to use money-saving gas tips to maximize their fuel efficiency.” Across the nation, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by 1 cent since last Monday, settling at $3.07 (subject to change overnight). This price drop occurs despite increased gasoline demand as spring break travel gets underway. Many drivers may find prices below $3 per gallon in several states. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that gasoline demand increased from 8.87 million barrels daily to 9.18 million barrels. However, the total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 246.8 million barrels to 241.1 million barrels, slightly below seasonal averages. Gasoline production also declined last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil increased $1.43 in Wednesday’s trading session, settling at $67.68 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 1.4 million barrels from the previous week. At 435.2 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are approximately 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

The most expensive Georgia metro markets are Savannah ($2.98), Atlanta ($2.94), and Athens ($2.93).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets are Dalton ($2.77), Albany ($2.76), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.68).

Area gas price averages: Chattooga ($2.80), Walker ($2.69), Floyd ($2.82), Gordon ($2.79), DeKalb, AL ($2.67), Cherokee, AL ($2.65).