Georgia drivers are seeing a minor bump at the pump this week, with the statewide average gas price inching up by one cent to $2.81 per gallon. The modest increase comes as crude oil prices fluctuate and regional demand for fuel begins to rise in anticipation of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

As of Monday, the average price to fill up in Georgia stands at $2.81 per gallon. While a penny higher than last week, motorists are still benefiting from lower prices compared to recent benchmarks. The current average is 3 cents cheaper than a month ago and a notable 13 cents less than what drivers paid at this time last year.

Filling a typical 15-gallon gas tank now costs approximately $42.15, nearly $2.00 less than it did for the same amount of fuel a year ago.

Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group, offered a generally optimistic outlook for holiday travelers. “With crude oil supplies holding steady, gas prices have stayed quiet this month, and as Thanksgiving travel ramps up, drivers can expect prices at the pump to hold or even dip lower,” Waiters stated. “Still, there’s a possibility of price increases as the holiday approaches, so it’s a smart time for drivers to explore money-saving tips at the pump.”

Georgia’s situation plays out against a backdrop of steady national prices, with the average for a gallon of regular unleaded holding at $3.07 – precisely the same as this time last year. This calm at the pump is largely attributed to an abundant supply of crude oil, which has helped keep price fluctuations in check throughout November.

As millions of Americans prepare for Thanksgiving road trips, experts generally believe prices are likely to remain stable or even dip slightly in the coming days. Nevertheless, the expected surge in demand always carries the potential for short-term price increases. To mitigate costs, AAA advises drivers to fill up early, leverage loyalty programs, use price comparison apps, and ensure proper tire pressure for optimal fuel efficiency.

The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Savannah ($2.96), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.92), and Valdosta ($2.87).

The least expensive metro markets in Georgia areWarner Robins ($2.78), Augusta-Aiken ($2.75), and Rome ($2.72).

Area gas price averages are Chattooga ($2.69), Walker ($2.79), Floyd ($2.71), Gordon ($2.79), DeKalb, AL ($2.67), Cherokee, AL ($2.71).