Motorists across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama are continuing to see higher prices at the pump this week as rising crude oil costs and strong summer travel demand push gasoline prices upward.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Chattooga County is $3.69, while Floyd County drivers are paying an average of $3.73 per gallon. The average is $3.74 in Gordon County, and the Catoosa-Dade-Walker regional average, which includes Walker County, stands at $3.69.

Across the state line in Alabama, AAA reports average prices of $3.43 per gallon in both DeKalb County and Cherokee County.

Statewide, Georgia’s average price for regular gasoline is about $3.56 per gallon, while Alabama’s statewide average remains lower. Nationally, the average price has climbed to just under $4.00 per gallon as concerns over global oil supplies and continued heavy summer travel keep upward pressure on fuel prices.

AAA recommends motorists compare prices before filling up, take advantage of fuel rewards programs when available, maintain proper tire pressure, and avoid aggressive driving to improve fuel economy