According to the latest reports from AAA South, Threats of violence continue to cause concerns of a supply disruption in the Middle East. Tensions between Iran, Israel and the U.S. escalated last week, resulting in higher oil prices. A larger than expected increase in consumer sentiment reported by the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index also led to the increase in oil prices. A barrel of oil settled Friday at $96.01 on the New York Mercantile Exchange-$3.14 more than the week prior.
"Last minute summer travelers will need to increase their transportation budget, since gas prices are forecast to rise throughout the month," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group. "Motorists have seen gas prices climb since July 1, and are now paying more for a gallon than they did this time last year."
The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.72, a 3-cent increase from a week ago today.
Georgia's average of $3.64 jumped 7 cents from last week, according to Brady.
Tennessee's average of $3.50 increased 3 cents from last week while Florida's average of $3.66 rose 2 cents.
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