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Georgia motorists are seeing some relief at the gas pump as prices continue to decline, although the cost of filling up remains significantly higher than a year ago.

According to AAA – The Auto Club Group, the statewide average price for regular unleaded gasoline stood at $3.81 per gallon on Monday, October 12, down five cents from last week and 17 cents from a month ago. However, Georgia drivers are still paying 94 cents more per gallon than they were at this time last year.

In Chattooga County, the average price is $3.80 per gallon, just one cent below the statewide average.

AAA reports the following average gasoline prices across Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama:

  • Chattooga County: $3.80
  • Floyd County: $3.80
  • Walker County: $3.76
  • Gordon County: $3.76
  • DeKalb County, Alabama: $3.86
  • Cherokee County, Alabama: $3.85

Despite the recent impacts of Hurricane Isaias, Georgia largely avoided the sharp increases in fuel prices that sometimes follow major storms.

“Drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices move lower, despite the tropical storm-like weather from Hurricane Isaias,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Georgia’s average remains below $4 per gallon and below the national average, but fuel costs continue to affect household budgets.”

At the current statewide average, filling a standard 15-gallon tank costs approximately $57.15.

Nationally, the average price of regular gasoline has declined slightly to $4.35 per gallon. However, AAA says prices remain unusually high for October, with crude oil prices climbing back above $90 per barrel.

Within Georgia, the most expensive metropolitan markets include Savannah at $3.91, Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.89 and Atlanta at $3.82. Among the least expensive are the Catoosa-Dade-Walker market at $3.73, Dalton at $3.72 and Albany at $3.71.

AAA recommends that motorists compare prices at different stations, consider fuel rewards programs, combine errands to reduce unnecessary driving and maintain their vehicles for better fuel economy.

While gasoline prices are trending downward, AAA cautions that higher crude oil costs could slow additional price declines in the coming weeks.