Motorists are finding some of the lowest gas prices of the year, according to this week's report from AAA.
Georgia gas prices should hit their lowest point of 2017 early this week. On Sunday, the state average was $2.16 - just fractions of a penny above this year's lowest price of $2.157, set on March 27.
The average price declined for the 22nd consecutive day on Sunday, for a total discount of 7 cents. Sunday's average was 3.5 cents less than a week ago and 6 cents less than last year. according to AAA, whose data is collected from credit card swipes and direct feeds from 120,000 gas stations nationwide, in cooperation with OPIS and Wright Express.
- The most expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Atlanta ($2.19), Savannah ($2.18), Albany ($2.12)
- The least expensive gas price averages in Georgia are in Augusta-Aiken ($2.04), Macon ($2.09), Valdosta ($2.11)
What's Pushing the Price Plunge
"The plunge at the pump comes as oil prices took a pounding for the third week in a row," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Markets moved lower after another round of supply data showing high U.S. and global refinery production. American motorists are the big winners here, as they fill their tanks for a summer road trip. These low gas prices should stick around for a while until oil prices change course."
Meteorologists are watching two storms in the Atlantic Basin, either of which have the potential to push fuel prices higher this week. Oil and gas prices would rise if either of these develop into a major storm, move into the Gulf of Mexico, and threaten supply coming from refineries along the gulf coast.
National Average Approaches 2017 Lows
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline averaged $2.296 on Sunday. After falling 4 cents during the past week, the national average sits at 4 cents less than this time last year.
The national average is flirting with 2017 lows. The lowest price so far this year was $2.262 on February 9. The national average is falling at a rate of 1-cent per day, positioning the price to breach this year's lows mid-week. Once that happens, the national average would be the lowest since December 2016.
Gas Price Tools for Reporters/Consumers
- GasPrices.AAA.com - Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages.
- AAA Mobile app - Free app that shows current prices at a gas station near you.
Highs and Lows of 2017*
- The highest national average price for gasoline, so far this year, is $2.42 on April 21; the lowest is $2.26 on February 9.
- The highest average price in Georgia, so far this year, is $2.29 on April 14; the lowest is $2.16 on March 27.
Summer Gas Prices will Rival Those from 2016
- The national average for gasoline was $2.23/g from June 1 - August 31, 2016
- The Georgia average for gasoline was $2.11/g from June 1 - August 31, 2016
