Georgia drivers are feeling a slight pinch at the pump this week as the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline rose to $2.92, according to AAA. This figure represents a 4-cent increase compared to last week, although it’s still a penny lower than last month and significantly cheaper – 46 cents less – than this time last year.

Filling a 15-gallon tank now costs Georgians an average of $43.80, saving them nearly $7.00 compared to last year’s prices. “Nationwide, a surge in gas demand coupled with the climbing cost of crude oil has pushed prices higher at the pumps,” explained Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “The slump in crude oil costs kept the customary surge in spring gas prices at bay, but now, we find ourselves amid this anticipated increase as the Memorial Day weekend approaches.” The national average has also seen a rise, climbing 4 cents since last Monday to $3.17 per gallon. This increase coincides with the expected surge in travel as Memorial Day weekend approaches, with an estimated 39.4 million Americans planning road trips.

Despite the recent uptick, national average gas prices are still approximately 40 cents lower than last year. Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals a growing demand for gasoline, increasing from 8.71 million barrels a day last week to 8.79 million this week. Simultaneously, the total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 225.7 million barrels to 224.7 million barrels.

While the price fluctuations are subject to change overnight, the trend suggests that drivers can expect to pay slightly more as the summer driving season officially begins.

The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Savannah ($2.99), Athens ($2.95), and Atlanta ($2.94).

The least expensive metro markets in Georgia are Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.83), Rome ($2.82), and Warner Robins ($2.79).

Area gas price averages – Chattooga ($2.74), Walker ($2.83), Floyd ($2.82), Gordon ($2.90), DeKalb, AL ($2.71), Cherokee, AL ($2.68).