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Georgia motorists are paying considerably more at the pump as rising crude oil prices continue to push gasoline prices higher across the state.

As of Monday, the Georgia average for regular unleaded stands at $4.01 per gallon, up 12 cents from last week, 20 cents from a month ago and $1.12 from this time last year.

Here in Chattooga County, the average price is slightly below the state average at $3.93 per gallon.

Prices across the immediate region are fairly close. Walker County is averaging $3.92, while Floyd County is at $3.95. Motorists in Gordon County are seeing an average of $4.00 per gallon.

Across the state line in Alabama, prices are somewhat lower. DeKalb County is averaging $3.90, while Cherokee County has the lowest average among the counties surveyed at $3.88 per gallon.

AAA says higher crude oil prices are a major factor behind the latest increase. Oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel, and AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says there is currently no clear indication of when gasoline prices will begin falling.

The increase is adding significantly to household transportation costs. At Georgia’s statewide average of $4.01, filling a typical 15-gallon tank costs about $60.15.

Nationally, prices are even higher. The U.S. average has jumped 17 cents in just one week to $4.31 per gallon, with high crude oil prices continuing to put upward pressure on what motorists pay.

Among Georgia’s metro markets, AAA lists Rome at $3.94 and the Catoosa-Dade-Walker market at $3.92, putting Northwest Georgia among the less expensive areas of the state despite the recent increases.

For Chattooga County motorists, however, gasoline is now approaching the $4-per-gallon mark, and the recent trend suggests drivers are spending substantially more on fuel than they were just a few weeks ago.

Local And Regional Gas Prices:

Chattooga County — $3.93
Walker County — $3.92
Floyd County — $3.95
Gordon County — $4.00
DeKalb County, Alabama — $3.90
Cherokee County, Alabama — $3.88
Georgia Average — $4.01
National Average — $4.31