Georgia drivers are continuing to see relief at the pump this week as gas prices trend lower across the state, even amid ongoing global tensions that continue to affect energy markets.
Gas prices across Georgia are holding steady this week, even as tensions in the Middle East continue to create volatility in global oil markets.
Ongoing fighting in the Middle East is driving oil prices higher, which is pushing gas prices up across Georgia and the nation. However, Georgia’s gas tax suspension is helping slow how quickly prices are rising.
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.
Georgia drivers are paying more at the pump again this week, as rising crude oil prices continue to push fuel costs higher across the state.
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia climbed to $3.69, up 18 cents from last week, $1.00 higher than last month, and 76 cents above this time last year. At that price, filling a standard 15-gallon tank now costs about $55.35.
Spring Break travel demand, combined with rising crude oil prices, is continuing to send gas prices higher across Georgia.
AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Georgia now stands at $3.51, up 29 cents from a week ago, 79 cents from a month ago, and 61 cents higher than this time last year.
As fuel prices continue to rise amid fighting in Iran, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he is not ready to suspend the state gas tax just yet.
Kemp told reporters Tuesday that previous gas tax suspensions were “targeted and strategic,” and he does not want to overreact to what could end up being a short-term spike in prices.
The latest jump in fuel costs follows military strikes in Iran on February 28 involving U.S. and Israeli forces, which pushed oil prices sharply higher.
Kemp noted that oil briefly climbed to around $115 a barrel before falling back to about $90 a barrel. He also said the United States is producing record levels of oil and gas, which he believes provides strong long-term energy security even while prices remain vulnerable to global events.
The governor said he plans to keep watching the markets for several more days before making any decision on whether to suspend the gas tax.
Kemp has taken that step three times before. In 2022, he suspended the gas tax as prices climbed during the war in Ukraine. In 2023, he again suspended the tax as inflation hit a 40-year high. In 2024, Kemp suspended the gas tax in response to Hurricane Helene.
For now, Georgia drivers will have to wait and see whether the recent rise in gas prices becomes severe enough to prompt another temporary tax break.
Another week is bringing another jump at the pump for Georgia drivers, with gas prices continuing to trend higher across the state.
Drivers in Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama counties are seeing gas prices rise this week as global and seasonal factors push fuel costs higher.
Rising global tensions and seasonal fuel changes are pushing gas prices higher across Georgia, with drivers beginning to feel the impact at the pump.
The statewide average now stands at $2.78 per gallon, up nine cents from last week and 12 cents higher than last month. Despite the recent increase, prices remain 16 cents lower than this time last year.