The cost of living is becoming an increasingly important issue for Chattooga County households as residents face higher prices for several basic necessities — particularly gasoline, diesel fuel and groceries.

The pressure can be especially noticeable in a rural county where driving is often a necessity. Many residents commute outside the county for work, while farmers, contractors and other businesses depend heavily on gasoline and diesel.

According to AAA, the Georgia average for regular gasoline reached $4.09 per gallon Saturday, September 19. That’s up from $2.92 a gallon one year ago, an increase of about $1.17 per gallon, or 40%. A month ago, the statewide average was $3.81.

That means filling a 15-gallon tank at the statewide average costs about $61.42 today, compared with roughly $43.81 a year ago — nearly $18 more for a single fill-up.

The numbers are similar close to home. AAA’s Rome-area average Saturday was $4.06 for regular gasoline, compared with just $2.81 one year ago. That’s an increase of approximately 44% in a year.

Diesel Hits Record High In Georgia

The increase in diesel fuel is even more dramatic.

AAA reports Georgia’s average diesel price reached $6.35 per gallon Saturday — the highest statewide average AAA has recorded. One year ago, diesel averaged about $3.56, meaning the price has increased roughly $2.79 per gallon, or 78%, in twelve months.

In the Rome area, diesel averaged $6.32 Saturday, compared with $3.47 a year ago.

That matters beyond what diesel-truck owners pay at the pump. Diesel powers much of the equipment used by farmers, trucking companies, construction crews and other businesses, and trucks transport much of the food and merchandise sold locally. Higher transportation costs can therefore work their way into prices consumers pay elsewhere.

Grocery Bills Continue To Climb

Families are also paying more at the grocery store.

The newest Consumer Price Index report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that grocery prices across the South were 1.9% higher in August than one year earlier. Five of the six major grocery categories increased over the year.

Some categories increased considerably faster. In the South, fruits and vegetables were up 3.6%, nonalcoholic beverages were up 4%, cereals and bakery products increased 2%, and the broad category of other food consumed at home increased 2.1%. Meat, poultry, fish and eggs increased 1.1%, while dairy prices declined 2.3%.

Nationally, grocery prices were 2.2% higher than a year ago, while restaurant food increased 3.4%.

And those increases are on top of the substantial food-price inflation consumers experienced earlier in the decade, meaning a relatively modest year-over-year increase does not mean grocery prices have returned to previous levels.

Lower Incomes Make Increases More Noticeable

The impact can be particularly significant in Chattooga County because household incomes are lower than in many other parts of Georgia.

The latest Census estimates put median household income in Chattooga County at about $50,000, while per-capita income is approximately $24,000. Nearly one in five county residents lives below the poverty line.

For a household already spending most of its income on housing, food, utilities and transportation, another $15 to $20 to fill the vehicle — combined with steadily higher grocery bills — can leave considerably less money available for discretionary purchases or unexpected expenses.

The latest inflation data also show that the squeeze isn’t limited to food and gasoline. Across the South, electricity costs are 2.5% higher than a year ago, natural gas is up 7.7%, and overall fuels and utility costs are up 3.9%.

The South’s overall Consumer Price Index increased 3.1% during the past year.

For Chattooga County families, however, the headline inflation number may not fully reflect what they’re experiencing. A household that drives long distances, operates a diesel vehicle or spends a larger percentage of its income on groceries can experience a much larger increase in its essential expenses.

Gasoline is roughly 40% higher statewide than a year ago. Diesel is nearly 80% higher. Grocery prices continue to rise. For households with limited room in the monthly budget, those increases can add up quickly.