Drivers in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are seeing a little relief at the pump this week, but fuel prices remain under pressure as global oil markets react to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is now $3.58, down 11 cents from last week. Even with that drop, prices are still 8 cents higher than a month ago and 64 cents above where they were this time last year. Filling up a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $53.70.

AAA says rising crude oil prices are the main factor behind higher gas costs. Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said Governor Brian Kemp’s suspension of Georgia’s state gas tax is continuing to provide some relief for drivers. Still, she warned that elevated oil prices, growing seasonal demand, and the transition to summer gasoline could keep prices volatile in the weeks ahead.

Nationally, the average price for regular gas climbed 4 cents over the past week and is now about a dollar higher than it was a month ago. Prices have risen sharply from $2.98 in late February to $3.98 now, with stronger spring travel demand and higher oil costs adding to the increase. Analysts say the national average could soon reach $4 a gallon for the first time since March 2022.

In Georgia, the highest average gas prices are in metro Atlanta at $3.65, Athens at $3.63, and Gainesville at $3.62. The lowest prices are in Hinesville-Fort Stewart at $3.45, Brunswick at $3.44, and Albany at $3.41.

Closer to home, Monday averages showed Chattooga County at $3.52 per gallon, Walker County at $3.51, Floyd County at $3.47, and Gordon County at $3.56. Across the Alabama line, DeKalb County was averaging $3.68, while Cherokee County stood at $3.55 per gallon.

For electric vehicle drivers, the national average cost at a public charging station held steady this past week at 41 cents per kilowatt hour.

Drivers across the region should be prepared for more price swings as international tensions, oil costs, and seasonal demand continue to influence what they pay at the pump.