After weeks of declining gas prices, Northwest Georgia and Chattooga County are beginning to see prices edge up – mostly due to Hurricane Ian, according to experts.

Gas had fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time in a long time and Chattooga County drivers were paying $2.97 on average for a gallon of gas on Monday of this week.  By Friday, prices had gone up slightly over $3 per gallon in Chattooga County.  Walker County motorists were still paying $2.97 per gallon on average on Friday.

“The national gas price average has started to tick upward,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “One factor is the threat of a hurricane in the Gulf. This could potentially shut down oil refineries production which could lead to higher pump prices.”

AAA will release more information on gas price averages in Georgia the first of next week.