As the Georgia economy reopens and more people return to work, gasoline prices are rising.
According to this week's report from AAA-The Auto Club South, Georgia motorists are now paying an average price of $1.73 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Monday's state average is 7-cents more than a week ago, 9-cents more than last month, and 89-cents less than this time last year. It now costs motorists $25.95 to fill a 15-gallon tank of gasoline; that is $15.15 less than what motorists paid in April of 2019 when pump prices hit their peak of $2.74 per gallon.
The Memorial Day travel period also contributed to the increase in prices.
"Georgia pump prices are experiencing a spike as more Georgians choose to travel during the holiday weekend,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA. “The boost in demand continues to push pump prices up around the country, as states re-open businesses.”
National Average
Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased by 9 cents to $1.96. Pump prices have increased across the country as gas demand has trickled higher, more states reopen businesses and crude prices have increased. Despite the increases, the last time the national average was less than $2/gallon heading into a Memorial Day Weekend was in 2003. For gas demand, new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) revealed that it hit 6.8 million barrels per day last week, which is 2.6 million barrels per day lower than this time last year. Gas demand is expected to continue to grow, leading pump prices to continue their increase.
Regional Prices
- Most expensive Georgia metro markets – Brunswick ($1.86), Savannah ($1.81) and Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($1.80).
- Least expensive Georgia metro markets – Athens ($1.62), Atlanta ($1.69) and Rome ($1.70).
- The average price per gallon in Hall County is $1.68.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/5/905666/aaa-georgia-gasoline-prices-rise-7-cents-a-gallon-as-economy-reopens