As vibrant fall foliage paints the Georgia landscape and cooler temperatures settle in, drivers across the state are finding a welcome bonus at the pump: easing gasoline prices offering modest but tangible relief.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline edged down to $2.79 as of Monday, October 23rd, according to data from AAA-The Auto Club Group. This decline reflects the predictable seasonal shift away from peak summer driving demand, coupled with persistently low crude oil prices on the global market.

Compared to recent periods, the savings are clear:

2 cents lower than the average recorded last week (October 16th).
9 cents lower than the average from last month (September 23rd).
14 cents lower than the price at this time last year (October 24, 2022).

For the typical driver filling a 15-gallon tank, the current state average translates to a cost of approximately $41.85 – a savings of roughly $2.00 compared to what the same fill-up cost just one month ago.

“Georgia drivers are feeling the seasonal shift, not just in the air, but at the pump,” explained Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “With crude oil prices staying low and demand cooling off significantly after the summer travel season, gas prices are naturally following suit, offering timely relief as fall rolls on.”

Regional variations within Georgia show slightly lower prices in several northwest counties. As of Monday, local averages included:

Walker County: $2.66
Floyd County: $2.67
Chattooga County: $2.68
Gordon County: $2.72
(Nearby Alabama counties also reported lower averages: DeKalb County, AL: $2.57; Cherokee County, AL: $2.58)

While Georgia benefits from prices below the national norm, the broader U.S. picture also shows stability. The national average for regular unleaded gasoline currently stands at $3.05 per gallon, which, while up slightly from the previous week, remains 8 cents lower than the national average recorded one year ago. Industry analysts attribute this relative stability to the typical post-summer dip in travel and gasoline consumption.

Recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) supports this trend. Gasoline demand held steady last week at 8.45 million barrels per day, reflecting reduced road trips as the summer vacation season ends. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline stocks saw a slight decrease, dipping from 218.8 million barrels to 216.7 million barrels, even as production increased to an average of 9.6 million barrels per day.

The confluence of stable-to-lowering crude oil costs, the seasonal decline in consumer demand, and adequate refining output appears to be creating a favorable environment for Georgia motorists this autumn. While daily fluctuations at the pump are always possible, the current trajectory suggests drivers can expect continued, modest savings as they navigate the fall season. For many, the crisp fall air is now accompanied by a bit more breathing room in their fuel budget.