Gas prices seemed to find level ground over the weekend after increasing for more than two weeks, according to this week's fuel price report from AAA. Before the weekend, gas prices rose an average of 12 cents in 19 days, nationwide; 13 cents in 14 days, in Florida; 13 cents in 18 days, in Georgia; and 14 cents in 20 days, in Tennessee.
"Gas prices rode the wave of rising oil prices last week, pushing pump prices slightly higher in some regions before eventually stalling out over the weekend," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA The Auto Club Group. "Motorists should expect more volatility at the pump throughout the next couple of months, as prices are poised to gain another 30 cents by the summer."
Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found at Gasprices.aaa.com. Motorists can find the lowest gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
Oil prices swelled to their highest levels since March 1. The price for a barrel of crude averaged $53.19 last week - an increase of $1.92 from the week before. The increase comes after OPEC released its monthly report, which showed solid economic growth and higher gasoline demand in the U.S. and Asia. These contributing factors could result in a reduction in crude price volatility and increased market stability. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also released its monthly report this week. It stated that the global oil market could be very close to balancing supply and demand. However, IEA noted in the absence of OPEC extending its production cuts, the second half of the year could be more volatile due to a tighter U.S. supply and lower global oil demand.
Georgia gas prices averaged $2.29 on Sunday - a 1-cent increase from last week.
- The most expensive metro markets in the state are Savannah ($2.32), Atlanta ($2.31), and Valdosta ($2.30)
- The least expensive metro markets in the state are Augusta/Aiken ($2.20), Macon ($2.23), and Columbus ($2.25)
