Spring Break travel demand, combined with rising crude oil prices, is continuing to send gas prices higher across Georgia.

AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia now stands at $3.51, up 29 cents from a week ago, 79 cents from a month ago, and 61 cents higher than this time last year.

For drivers filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, that brings the average cost to about $52.65.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says increased holiday travel is helping fuel the rise at the pump.

“As more drivers take to the roads for Spring Break, gas prices are increasing, driven in large part by crude oil costs that have climbed past $100 a barrel,” Waiters said. “While prices remain comparable to last spring, coordinated releases from U.S. and international oil reserves are expected to help slow further increases.”

Nationally, the average price for a gallon of regular gas has climbed nearly 24 cents in the past week to $3.69, matching prices seen around the same time last spring.

AAA says crude oil remains the biggest factor behind higher pump prices. In response, the United States is releasing 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next four months, part of a broader International Energy Agency plan to release 400 million barrels in what is being described as the largest emergency release of oil reserves in history.

For electric vehicle drivers, the national average cost of electricity at a public charging station also increased slightly, rising 2 cents this past week to 41 cents per kilowatt hour.

In Georgia, Atlanta’s average gas price is $3.55.

Among metro areas across the state, the most expensive markets are Athens at $3.55, Gainesville at $3.54, and Augusta-Aiken at $3.50.

The least expensive metro markets are Rome at $3.45, Columbus at $3.42, and Warner Robins at $3.40.

Locally, gas was averaging $3.38 per gallon in Chattooga County – noticeably lower than surrounding counties.  Floyd County gas was averaging $3.47 per gallon; Walker County $3.48; Gordon County was $3.57 per gallon. 

AAA says motorists should continue to expect day-to-day price fluctuations as Spring Break travel continues and oil prices remain elevated.