Georgia drivers are enjoying a slight reprieve at the pump as the state’s average gas price dipped over the past week, according to a new media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group. Georgians now pay an average of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline, offering a small but welcome bit of relief.

Monday’s state average marks a 2-cent decrease from a week ago and is 1 cent lower than it was a month ago. More significantly, current prices are 26 cents lower than they were a year ago, translating to tangible savings for consumers. Filling a standard 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline now costs approximately $43.35, almost $4.00 less than it did at this time last year.

“Gas prices across the nation nudged upward this week but remain in the same tight range we’ve seen for months,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA – The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Georgia has stayed relatively stable. However, with the U.S. in the peak of hurricane season, any disruption along the Gulf Coast could quickly shift the balance. For now, we remain hopeful that drivers in Georgia will see some relief at the pump as Labor Day approaches.”

National Trends Show Slight Uptick but Future Uncertainty

While Georgia’s prices saw a slight dip, the national average for gasoline moved in the opposite direction, increasing by 2 cents since last Monday to reach $3.15 per gallon. This national figure may fluctuate overnight. As summer draws to a close, some are speculating whether the national average could dip below $3 per gallon.

However, the oil market remains highly volatile, making firm predictions difficult. The prospect of sustained lower prices hinges on crude oil prices staying low and the absence of major geopolitical disruptions or tropical storms impacting the critical Gulf Coast region. Should these conditions hold, drivers nationwide may continue to benefit from lower prices in the coming weeks.

New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) sheds light on recent national market dynamics. Gasoline demand decreased from 9 million barrels a day last week to 8.84 million. Total domestic gasoline supply also saw a reduction, moving from 226.3 million barrels to 223.6 million barrels, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

As Labor Day draws near, Georgia’s stable and slightly decreasing gas prices offer a positive note for travelers, even as the national market watches for potential shifts.

The most expensive metro markets in Georgia are Savannah ($2.98), Athens ($2.92), and Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.91).

The least expensive metro markets in Georgia are Warner Robins ($2.82), Rome ($2.81), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.75).’

Area gas price averages are Chattooga ($2.80), Walker ($2.79), Floyd ($2.82), Gordon ($2.81), DeKalb, AL ($2.68), Cherokee, AL ($2.61).